Hans-Joachim Stuck comments on Mick Schumacher. The German motorsport legend warns the 25-year-old against a Formula 1 comeback at Audi and criticizes former Haas team boss Günther Steiner.
Haunting words from a German motorsport legend. Hans-Joachim Stuck has warned Mick Schumacher about a Formula 1 comeback at Audi/Sauber. “For me, Mick would be in the wrong place at Audi,” explained the 73-year-old Eurosport.
{
“placeholderType”: “MREC”
}
Due to the new commitment of the Ingolstadt-based automobile manufacturer, the previous Sauber racing team needed time and, also due to the new regulations, had to “redevelop everything” – a big disadvantage for Stuck.
Will Schumacher follow Bottas?
“In his first year he wouldn’t have the slightest chance there,” the former Formula 1 driver is certain. From 2026, Audi will compete in the premier class of motorsport under its own name and with new regulations and will replace the previous Sauber team. But the German car manufacturer is already active in the background and is setting the first course for the future.
At the end of April this year, Nico Hülkenberg, a German, was signed as the first driver for the coming season. The second, still free cockpit probably offers Schumacher the last chance to return to Formula 1.
{
“placeholderType”: “MREC”
}
Audi/Sauber is still looking
The Swiss racing team Sauber has not yet been able to reach a contract extension with current driver Valtteri Bottas; the Finn is also set to return to Mercedes as a replacement driver. Schumacher, on the other hand, has been looking for a free cockpit for two years now.
Nevertheless, after Schumacher’s two-year interlude in the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Haas, Stuck is of the opinion that the 25-year-old should not rely on a racing team that is being built again: “He has already been through this story once,” explained the two-time winner of the 24th Le Mans Hours of 1986 and 1987.
Stuck criticizes Steiner
In particular, he made serious accusations against Günther Steiner, the former team boss at Haas: “To destroy a young man who is still gaining his first experiences through his lack of empathy and stupidity – that’s not possible. Steiner damaged Schumacher all his life.”
That’s why getting involved with Audi is “the wrong way, because he doesn’t find the standard there that he would have with other teams.” Regardless, Sauber team boss Mattia Binotto still has the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher on his list.
