Racing for a struggling Haas team is a "good thing" for Mick Schumacher in his rookie Formula 1 year in 2021, Guenther Steiner claims.
Last week, after months of speculation, it was finally confirmed the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher would make the step up from F2 by joining the American squad alongside Russian Nikita Mazepin.
Then, over the weekend, Schumi Jr did just enough to wrap up the F2 championship, beating fellow Ferrari junior Callum Ilott by 14 points despite a lowly 18th place finish in the final Sprint race.
“To be honest I’m a bit overwhelmed,” Schumacher said afterwards. “I don’t really understand or feel like a champion yet, I guess it’s going to take a few days maybe.
“It sounds good, but would sound a lot better if I had a good race today. Nevertheless, we did enough to be champion. I owe it all to them, the team, such a great bunch of people.
“Callum gave me a run for my money and it’s been really tough, but so enjoyable at the same time.”
Looking ahead to next year, however, Haas chief Steiner knows Schumacher will have a huge amount of attention and expectation upon him.
But starting off in a car that has been towards the back of the grid the past few years might actually be a blessing in that regard.
“To be honest, we are not exactly the best team at the moment but for Mick, it’s a good thing," he said.
"It gives us the opportunity to grow together. He knows where he stands and he’s not under so much pressure at the beginning.
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“If we had a super-fast car that you could race at the front under your own power, everyone would expect victories from a Schumacher. That’s not the case with us and that means he has more time and peace to improve and learn.
“In addition: 2021 is a transition year for us because the regulations will not change drastically until 2022. That’s why I wanted drivers who would learn in 2021 and be ready in 2022.
“I take this responsibility very seriously. There will certainly be criticism, but I accept that. I don’t like simple things anyway, but I love a challenge.”
After missing out on running in Practice 1 in Germany earlier in the season, Schumacher will finally get his chance this weekend in Abu Dhabi with Haas before also driving in the one-day test at Yas Marina next Tuesday.
“Coming from a weekend like the last one, there’s only very few things to imagine which could be better than winning a championship – but then, being a proper part of an F1 team and getting to drive the FP1 would probably count," the German said.
"I’m still really excited having won the F2 championship, and that excitement doesn’t stop knowing I’ll be with Haas F1 Team next year, and that I’ll be driving for them for the first time on Friday.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the team, getting to understand how they approach and undergo a race weekend and starting this journey together with Haas F1 Team here in Abu Dhabi," Schumacher added.
"I will soak in everything I can to the maximum, taking this weekend as a preparation for the experience to come next year.
"The good thing is that I don’t have to be concerned about the weather this time, so I am confident I will go out during FP1, and I am very much looking forward to sharing the track with such great drivers.”
