Marko lashes out at Steiner: ‘Schumacher was not treated fairly’

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko stressed the importance of former F1 driver Mick Schumacher making a return to the pinnacle of motorsport, citing his talent and potential.

Starting his career in karting in 2008 and progressing to the German ADAC Formula 4 by 2015, Schumacher, who hails from Switzerland, went on to win the 2018 FIA F3 European Championship. He then moved to Formula 2 in 2019 and clinched the 2020 Formula 2 Championship title with Prema Racing.

His journey into Formula One began in 2019 when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy, conducting tests for Ferrari and Alfa Romeo before making his practice debut in the 2020 season.

In 2021, Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas and continued with the team for the following season, but he did not secure a contract extension for the 2023 F1 season.

Currently serving as the reserve driver for Mercedes, Schumacher is also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine in the Hypercar category.

Speaking about Schumacher’s potential, Marko stated: “Mick is one of the politest and nicest individuals in the entire paddock, which can sometimes work against him. Additionally, he carries the burden of a famous name.”

“In terms of achievements, he has already accomplished a great deal. Winning the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships made him an attractive prospect for Formula 1 teams.”

“From our perspective, there were no sporting reasons preventing us from collaborating. He was a Ferrari junior at the time, but Mercedes swooped in and signed him. So, he wasn’t even available on the market.”

Marko criticized former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner for dismissing Schumacher from Formula One’s only American team.

“His treatment at Haas under the leadership of Netflix star Guenther Steiner was unjust. Beyond Formula 1, his journey becomes more challenging. However, behind the scenes, there are only positive remarks about him.

“Toto Wolff praises him highly. I believe Alpine and Audi are seriously considering him. I’d be happy for him, as he truly deserves it,” Marko expressed.

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