Schumacher made his debut in 2021 after taking the 2020 F2 title in his second season, but struggled to shine in F1 with an underperforming Haas outfit.
Schumacher and teammate Nikita Mazepin traditionally backed up the timesheets and ended the season without points when Haas put all eggs in the basket in 2022 and decided not to improve his challenger in 2021.
Despite a tough rookie season, there were some highlights for Michael Schumacher’s son, who managed to comfortably beat Mazepin in speed and secure two groundbreaking Q2 spots in France and Turkey.
Schumacher’s friend and mentor Vettel said that while it is hard to gauge exactly how good his compatriot’s rookie season has been, he pointed out that Schumacher “did an incredible job with such a bad car”.
“Well, I think it’s hard to judge because the car was so far away,” said Vettel.
“But you know, for those of you who look carefully – obviously I was watching – and yes he did an incredible job with such a bad car, getting into Q2 a couple of times, showing strong performances in the race, fighting . ” Some of the cars that are much faster, or stick with the cars, are supposed to be much faster.
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
“It’s a great achievement and most of all I think it was a huge improvement for the whole team. I think the leveling for this team at the beginning of the season was bad because they had no development and were way behind.”
Vettel believes Schumacher’s work ethic, a famous trait his father’s, served the 22-year-old well as he tried to advance his team. And he hopes Schumacher’s efforts with better equipment will pay off in 2022.
“I think if you look at each other all year round, Mick was very happy, enthusiastic and enjoyed doing work and he was one of the first – if not the first – to come into the paddock every day, one of the newest to leave and to show great interest in moving the team forward, “added Vettel.
“Aside from his job on the track that he did, apart from maybe some very small mistakes that happen in your freshman year, he did a great job.
“I really want him to get a much better car next year so that he can show what he can do.”
