Mercedes Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug has said that Michael Schumacher is his own biggest critic.
The German, speaking to the official F1 website, was defending his star driver after a series of underwhelming performances.
”We all know that Michael would be his first and foremost critic if he realized that this job is not for him anymore. But that’s not the case,” said Haug.
“Within the team, Michael is extremely constructive. I think at the moment he’s realizing how much he has missed all that. If you are a rock ‘n’ roll star you want to be on stage and not contemplating life from your sofa. This enthusiasm is firing up the whole team.”
F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone, who joined Haug in the interview, added his views on the Mercedes team dynamic between Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Rosberg has outqualified Schumacher in all four races so far this season.
“Nico is very talented and Michael was on holiday for three years. Ask me the same question after another two races. At the moment I would say, don’t underestimate Michael. Give him time to adapt to the new car and the new tyres. At the moment he’s something of a newbie who has to get accustomed to the trade again,” said Ecclestone.
The FOM chairman went on to say that Schumacher would win again in the future.
“Michael would have never returned had he not been convinced that he can do the job. He is not a tourist in the paddock – he’s here to win. And he will win again,” finished the Englishman.
