Fierce criticism of Haas: 'Mercedes shows how you deal with drivers'

After just two seasons in Formula 1, Mick Schumacher must already leave the sport. Haas has decided not to renew the young German's contract. The team is hiring Nico Hulkenberg instead. Ralf Schumacher criticises the way Haas has treated his nephew.

Haas' decision not to renew Schumacher's contract did not come as a big surprise. It had been hanging in the air for a while that the team was not satisfied with the young driver's performance. Guenther Steiner has been very critical of Schumacher this year.

Ralf Schumacher believes his nephew has proved that he is a stronger driver than other newcomers such as Yuki Tsunoda and Guanyu Zhou. The former F1 driver believes drivers need at least three years to develop in the sport. Schumacher is critical of the way his nephew has been treated in recent months.

"That is no way to treat an employee. That is why the result was not a big surprise", he tells Sky Germany. He would have liked more encouragement from Steiner. "You have to support such a young driver. You have to give him a hug from time to time. I think it's also better that you split up, because if you go down a common path, you should also have a team behind you."

Although Schumacher is now without a seat for 2023, his family remains optimistic about the future. For instance, reports are circulating linking the 23-year-old driver to a position as a reserve driver at Mercedes in 2023. "I don't think Mick will be gone forever. The statement [from Mercedes] already shows how you deal with drivers and how you value them", says the Sky analyst.