Former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner accused of 'DESTROYING' driver

Otmar Szafnauer, Guenther Steiner, Fred Vasseur — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 team boss accused of 'DESTROYING' driver

The German has been without a seat since leaving Haas at the end of 2022

Kevin McKenna

Friday 13 September 2024 09:16 Updated: 10:36

A motorsport icon has spoken out on how one Formula 1 driver's chances of success were 'destroyed' by his former team boss.

Mick Schumacher - son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher - spent two years at Haas having made the step up from F2 in 2021.

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However, he endured a miserable time at the American outfit, collecting just 12 points in 44 starts.

The German was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 campaign, and has been operating as a reserve driver at Mercedes since being left without a seat.

Mick Schumacher is currently a reserve driver at Mercedes

He has been learning from the likes of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton

Is time running out for Schumacher?

He had been tipped for a return to the grid in 2025, with Williams previously linked with his signature before completing a deal for Carlos Sainz.

Now with just two seats up for grabs next year, his chances of earning a contract elsewhere are slim, meaning it will likely mean another season spent on the sidelines.

Former F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck believes his compatriot has been unfairly overlooked by team principals, and has laid the blame for this squarely at ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner's doorstep.

Stuck has criticised the Italian's treatment of the 25-year-old, and claims it has had a lasting impact.

Guenther Steiner was released by Haas at the end of last season

Speaking to Eurosport, the two-time Le Mans 24 winner said: "You just have to see that Guenther Steiner destroyed him, criticised him for mistakes that were completely normal.

"He has his conscience on his conscience.

"He might have had a chance at Williams, but Audi would certainly not have been the right racing team.

"Now even younger drivers are coming up, Mick is not getting any younger - he would have every right to get a place again and beat them."

F1 Mercedes Haas Nico Hulkenberg Mick Schumacher F2