Mick Schumacher provides solace for Guenther Steiner after "tough few weeks"

Haas

Schumacher provides solace for Steiner after "tough few weeks"

Schumacher made his F1 debut in FP1 ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP

Ewan Gale

Friday 18 December 2020 12:39

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Haas team principal Guenther Steiner described Mick Schumacher's performance in his maiden Formula 1 outing as a "good moment" after a "tough few weeks".

Steiner has had to contend with the furore surrounding his other new-for-2021 driver Nikita Mazepin following the Russian's "abhorrent" social media exploits whilst also contending with the emotional aftermath of Romain Grosjean's miraculous escape in Bahrain.

Schumacher impressed on his first practice session with the team last week ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, with Steiner praising the German's efforts.

"Mick did a fantastic job," he said. "We didn't put any pressure on what to do. It was good.

"I said the most important thing is do not make any mistakes, then that just takes you back. He didn't do anything but perform very well.

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"He knew exactly where he lost his time compared with other people so it was actually... I have had quite a few tough weeks lately, this was a good moment. I am very happy with this."

Schumacher's outing came a week after he dramatically held on to clinch the Formula 2 championship after an incredibly consistent season.

Steiner was left impressed with Schumacher's work ethic throughout the session, especially with his integration with the technical team.

"It was FP1, the plan is always a bit... I wouldn't say critical, I don't see it as a test session because you cannot see the potential of a driver there," he explained. "But we can see how his personality is.

"You can see how he is prepared to work, what he takes in because, for these young guys, there is a lot to take in the first time in F1. Especially if your last name is Schumacher - there is a lot of eyes watching you.

"You need a lot of confidence to do that and he did a good job all over the weekend. He worked very well with his engineer.

"I watched his performance but it was very good what he did with the engineers, he was very clear with his comments and also his performance in the car, with the car."