“Everybody can do and say what they want” – Gunther Steiner states having no issues with Mick Schumacher in light of the German leaving Haas F1 team

Gunther Steiner insists on having no issues with Mick Schumacher after the German's exit from Haas

The Haas Formula 1 team will part ways with German driver Mick Schumacher at the end of the 2022 season, with Nico Hulkenberg replacing the 23-year-old at the American team. Schumacher expressed his disappointment in the team’s decision publicly on a social media post. The team thanked Schumacher for his contribution in the past two seasons and wished him well for his future, whilst the German driver too expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity with the team.

But, the German’s dissatisfaction was clear, which caused major controversy online as Haas announced his replacement only 20 mins after stating their departure publicly. To avoid a PR disaster, Gunther Steiner spoke to Sky Sports F1 and clarified the decision as “doing a job” and further said,“doing what’s best for the team.” On the negative public opinion, Steiner clarified, “I don’t think I need to defend me here, everybody can do and say what they want.”

YouTube video — Gunther Steiner is known to be a hot-headed Team Principal

When asked about a potential fallout with Schumacher, Steiner said, “this is not an issue for me with Mick… It has nothing to do with him,” putting an end to the rumors about souring relations between the team and the German. The American team has cleared out any hard feelings with the 23-year-old before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, as the pair looks to have a good final race and potentially score some points.

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Gunther Steiner speaks out on not renewing Mick Schumacher for 2023 F1 season

Mick’s lacklustre performances have failed to convince the team for another season in F1

Haas has had a struggling recent couple of years in the sport, with the teams struggling financially and being forced to run an all-rookie lineup in 2021. However in 2022, the team has improved substantially, its plan of writing off the 2021 season in favor of the new regulations did pay off, with Kevin Magnussen getting his and the team’s first pole position in Formula 1 at Interlagos. The American team also secured a title sponsor for 2023 in the form of Moneygram.

"I don't think I need to defend me here, everybody can do and say what they want" ?

Guenther Steiner insists there is no issue between him and Mick Schumacher ❌ pic.twitter.com/dTAkRs2gNK
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 17, 2022

This has provided Gunther Steiner with a great platform to rebuild the team, however one major component was the driver lineup, as the team looked to get back in the midfield pack, Steiner needed a reliable medium-to-long-term choice, someone who could provide stability and help the team’s development. Alas, Mick Schumacher failed to live up to the task after a disappointing season this year, forcing Haas to sign Nico Hulkenberg to partner Magnussen.

With Hulkenberg’s entry into the team, the team looks set to have an exciting time ahead. Nico may not have had a full-time seat since 2019 but his performances as a super sub for Aston Martin prove that has lost no pace, even outqualifying then-teammate Lance Stroll at the first round of the season. Schumacher leaving the sport may seem harsh but this is Formula 1, Hulkenberg provides a better package to the team and Steiner hopes to capitalize on it. F1 is a cruel sport and Mick’s exit from the grid is justified by his mediocre running this year.