Former Mercedes vice president Norbert Haug has defended Mick Schumacher against criticisms that were levelled at him on his way to Formula 1. The rookie driver - who is in his first year with the Haas team - usually took time to adapt to each category before achieving success; for example, in both Formula 2 and Formula 3, Schumacher had a mediocre first year before winning the title in his second year. Despite this, Haug has been impressed by the 22-year-old and believes he has reached F1 on merit. "He certainly has a big task ahead of him right now," Haug told the Beyond The Grid podcast. "Hopefully he gets the right support with Haas. I think he can learn there. "I hope Guenther Steiner is supporting him in a very good way, I think Guenther can do that, and he needs to take his time. "Mick was criticised, but look what he did in Formula 3, Formula 2. People may criticise, it took a while, whatever. At the end, he did not get a present in Formula 3. He did not get a present in Formula 2. "He showed some really, really impressive stuff. He showed some overtaking manoeuvres. Rarely mistakes, I saw here and there yes, but his overtaking was also very impressive." Haug - who worked alongside Mick's father Michael Schumacher in the past - is hopeful that the youngster can continue to progress in the sport. "I'm 100 percent sure that he has the right surrounding, that he gets advice from Sabine Kehm, from Peter Kaiser and the guys," Haug said. "They know what they're talking about - the level of fitness, the way he speaks English, everything is fine. "And I think, don't expect him to be on a podium or be a regular points scorer, you know how difficult it is. But expect him, give him peace, to learn and to go step by step, and we will see Mick Schumacher going from good to better I'm sure."
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