F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ecclestone: Mick Schumacher needs support, not criticism

Bernie Ecclestone says Mick Schumacher needs help and support from his Haas team rather than criticism, the F1 supremo insisting that the young German's situation would be quite different "if Michael was here".

Schumacher is enduring a difficult sophomore season in F1, underperforming relative to teammate Kevin Magnussen but more importantly putting himself on the wrong side of team boss Guenther Steiner because of costly smash-ups in Saudi Arabia and Monaco.

The mishaps have not only taken their toll on Haas' limited 2022 budget but they've also triggered questions over the young Ferrari protégé's ability to perform among the elite.

But Ecclestone pleads for patience and believes Schumacher's performance level should also be assessed relative to his car.

"We don't know how good or bad the car is," Ecclestone told German broadcaster n-tv.

"It makes a big difference whether the car suits his driving style or not. He doesn't need people telling him negative things all the time.

"He needs someone to help him and not criticise him too much."

Ecclestone suggests that Mick's current situation would likely be very different if his legendary father was around and advising his son.

"If Michael was here, he would tell Guenther where to go, that would help a lot," contends Mr E.

"If he upsets the team and they kick him out, the question then becomes whether another team is ready to take him on. So he's suffering a bit and hoping someone will give him a chance.

"He has the ability, so it's whether there's a team that wants to take him and try to see if he is as good as his dad."

To get a clear reading on Schumacher's true potential, Ecclestone would like to see the young gun compete in a more competitive team.

"I would like to see Schumacher in another car, in a more competitive car," said the 91-year-old.

"I would like to see him in the Mercedes of the past. That would be nice! Look at Red Bull for example.

"They take care of their drivers, they try everything and find the best set-up for them. You also see how good the second driver of that team is.

"They are very good and make sure the car suits their drivers."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

13 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

15 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

16 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

18 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

19 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

20 hours ago