Toto Wolff SLAMS James Vowles for claiming Mick Schumacher ‘isn’t special’ after Williams seat snub

Toto Wolff believed that James Vowles could have avoided from publicly hitting out at Mick Schumacher's driving skills.

Toto Wolff SLAMS James Vowles for claiming Mick Schumacher ‘isn’t special’ after Williams seat snub

Toto Wolff, James Vowles and Mick schumacher (images via IMAGO)

Logan Sargeant was set to be replaced for the rest of the season. Mick Schumacher and other young talents, including Williams reserve driver Franco Colapinto, were considered. Williams boss James Vowles chose Colapinto, believing in his potential over the more experienced Schumacher. He also dismissed Schumacher as not particularly special. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff criticized Vowles for his blunt response over Schumacher.

Toto Wolff remarked that he had known James Vowles for many years and respected his work as a strategist. He noted that, Vowles’ remarks over Mick Schumacher not being special were too blunt. According to the 52-year-old, these unnecessary comments could have been avoided. Such direct statements were not always appropriate, especially when discussing a driver’s abilities.

I've obviously known James for many years, he's a strategist, Sometimes he says things too straightforwardly. That was a statement he could have done without.
Toto Wolff told SkySportsF1
YouTube video

Toto Wolff pointed out that Mick Schumacher had won all the major racing titles of F4, F3, and F2. He also noted that Schumacher worked under Gunther Steiner, who is known for being very tough. This strict environment might not have been the best for the German’s development as a driver. Therefore, the blunt response from Vowles was not expected by Wolff.

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Mick has won everything there is to win, from F4, F3 and F2, and then of course operated in an environment with Gunther Steiner who is brutally tough and that was perhaps not what he needed to develop as a driver.
Toto Wolff added.
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Toto Wolff claims Mick Schumacher ‘deserved’ another chance in F1

Mick Schumacher has won the major title in lower categories. He also proved his worth as the driver in Haas, however the conditions and the car during his time were not appropriate. Toto Wolff felt the German deserved another chance in Formula 1. However, Vowles didn’t want him to offer a chance, he must refrain from making negative comments and should let him and others have their opportunities without criticism.

Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher in Mercedes garage
Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher in Mercedes garage (via IMAGO)
That's why he deserved the chance. If you don't give it to him, you shouldn't comment on it, you should let everyone live. That's my opinion.
Toto Wolff stated.

Certainly, Toto Wolff respects James Vowles’s decision regarding his team but believes there was no need for Vowles to make negative comments about a driver. Wolff argued that such remarks could impact the driver, in this case, Mick Schumacher, and potentially affect his future performance.

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