Sebastian Vettel claims that Mick Schumacher didn’t have the best environment at Haas

23 December, 2022

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel claims that young German F1 driver Mick Schumacher did not have the best of environments at Haas which affected his performances. 

Son of the legendary seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, Mick made his F1 debut with Haas Racing in 2021, partnering alongside Nikita Mazepin. He finished 19th in the World Drivers’ Championship but failed to score a single point in what was a tumultous and extremely disappointing year for the American F1 team.

He found more success in the 2022 season, partnering with Kevin Magnussen. He scored his first points in F1 at the British Grand Prix where he recovered from starting from 19th and made his way all the way up to eight. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he qualified seventh and finished sixth, his best result in F1 so far.

Schumacher was let go by Haas after the season ended and was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg. This led to the 23-year-old signing for Mercedes as a reserve driver for the upcoming 2023 season.

Speaking to the press, Team principal Toto Wolff said: “Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver.”

Sebastian Vettel, who shared a wonderful relationship with Michael Schumacher at the beginning of his own career has played the role of a father and mentor for Mick in his first two years in Formula One.

The duo had a healthy relationship and camaraderie on and off the track and Vettel claims that the 23-year-old had a bad working environment under Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. He is also optimistic that Mick will do much better and will learn a lot at Mercedes next year.

“Of course it’s a shame for him that his Formula 1 career won’t continue next year. He may be someone who needs a little more time to learn some things and also a good environment. I don’t think he had the best environment, so I wish he would come back in the future and find a better place in that sense,” Vettel said.