Guenther Steiner labels Mick Schumacher’s FP1 crash ‘disappointing and frustrating’
Haas driver Mick Schumacher in the car looking at the screen. Italy September 2022
Guenther Steiner says Mick Schumacher will be back on track for Saturday’s final practice as Haas have all the parts with them needed to repair his VF-22 in Suzuka.
At a time when he is fighting to save his Formula 1 career, Schumacher had a mixed opening practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The German was seventh fastest in FP1, a great start to his weekend, only to ruin it all when he crashed on his very last lap of the session.
Heading back out for a last lap in order to do a practice start, the 23-year-old lost it through Turn 8 as he aquaplaned, spun and crashed.
Schumacher had to sit out the day’s second practice session as Haas made the call to change his chassis.
“It’s disappointing,” his Haas team boss told F1TV.
“We just went out to do a race start to get data for Sunday and then on the way in from the race start Mick crashed the car, aquaplaned and crashed into the barrier which damaged the car quite heavily.
“The whole front is broken, but we also have to change the whole chassis because we are not sure if there is a crack in it or not and you cannot take any risks with the chassis.
“Maybe we could have gone out in FP2 for 10 minutes but that’s not important, it’s better to be 100% safe that the car is in good shape for tomorrow.”
Mick Schumacher found the barrier on his way back to the pits at the end of FP1 😣#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/rvsZWOlCoM
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2022
According to Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz, Schumacher’s wheel connected with the car and may have cracked the chassis.
He also needs a new rear and front suspension, front wing, nose and floor.
Steiner says the car will be back on track come Saturday as Haas have all the necessary parts.
“The car will be there,” said Steiner. “The guys will have a late evening, but they will fix the car again and we’ve got all the parts, that’s not an issue. So it will be there.”
But at a time when Schumacher is racing for his career, Steiner yet to decide if he wants to continue with the German next season, the team boss was quick to point out this was Schumacher’s third big hit of the season.
“It’s the third time now. The potential damage is only potential because we need to X-ray it and see if it’s cracked enough,” he said.
“But it is quite, as you say, frustrating.”
Read more: Could Mick Schumacher be handed a F1 2023 lifeline by Williams?
