Renowned former German F1 driver, Hans-Joachim Stuck, has expressed apprehensions regarding Mick Schumacher’s extended tenure as a reserve driver at Mercedes.
He earnestly advises the young talent against accepting a second year in the same role, while also voicing criticism towards Schumacher’s former boss, Guenther Steiner.
According to Stuck, it is imperative for Schumacher to seize the opportunity to shine on the grand stage and showcase his abilities in real races.
While in the process of indirectly slamming Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, He emphasizes the need for a “competent” team principal to guide him, enabling the unlocking of his true potential.
In an interview with Eurosport, the former Fq1 driver remarked: ”In his current job, Schumacher simply has to tough it out. Undoubtedly, he’s learning a lot right now, with both tests and simulator work. But how he’ll secure a race seat is still uncertain.”
Amid Schumacher’s ongoing learning journey, Stuck underscores the paramount significance of securing a race seat to fuel the young driver’s development and advancement in the world of F1.
“If you can’t showcase and prove yourself in races, you unfortunately quickly fade from the public eye,” he explained.
“Therefore, a second year of testing would not be beneficial for him. We’ll have to wait and see what Toto Wolff has in mind for him. It’s certainly not easy.”
In Stuck’s expert view, there is no doubt that Mick Schumacher deserves a well-deserved opportunity for a full-time race seat.
Nevertheless, the German racing legend insists on the importance of Schumacher’s return under favorable conditions, cautioning against racing under an inept team principal.
He continued: “For me, he belongs in Formula 1 – no question about it. He should have the opportunity to demonstrate his skills once again, in a car he deserves, and with a competent team principal.
“Not like Guenther Steiner, who doesn’t know how to lead and develop people. Under different circumstances, Mick would probably have a good chance.”
