Ralf Schumacher has hit back at Guenther Steiner for his criticism of nephew Mick, following his shunt at last month's Monaco Grand Prix. The Haas driver was racing through the high-speed Swimming Pool section when he lost control of his car in damp conditions and slammed into the barrier at high speed, with his VF-22 dramatically splitting in two. Mick's car-wrecking shunt was his second of the season, and Haas team boss Steiner voiced his displeasure at the accident, saying: "It's not very satisfactory having a big crash again. We need to see how we move forward from here." Steiner's comments appear to have irritated Ralf, who also suggested that Haas also need to up their game. "Such statements are typical of Guenther Steiner again," Ralf told Sky Sport Germany . "They leave too much to interpretation. The team have also made many mistakes. "Now two things have to come together. On the one hand, Mick has to be careful not to make any driving mistakes. "But Haas also have to move on because [Mick's teammate Kevin] Magnussen is also starting to struggle now."
Ralf urges greater unity as Haas slip back
After a pointless 2021 season in which the team regularly propped up the timesheets, Haas have improved considerably in 2022, and the team currently have 15 points. However, they have also slipped back in recent races after a promising start, and Ralf called on the team to work together more effectively. "It is important everything comes together now," Ralf said. "That there is no technical defect, that [Mick] can drive his practice sessions and doesn't make any mistakes. "If both sides work better together, I don't see a problem."
Ralf sees other options for Mick
Having largely outpaced Nikita Mazepin at Haas last year, Mick has been overshadowed this season by new teammate Kevin Magnussen, who has scored all of Haas' points so far in 2022. Coupled with two heavy shunts, Mick's trying start to the season has led some to suggest that he might be out of F1 before too long. However, Ralf dismissed such rumours, and cited the mooted arrival of German auto giants Audi and Porsche onto the F1 grid as a factor in keeping Mick in the sport. "I believe that the team bosses see exactly what potential there is," said Ralf. "There are also other possibilities. A lot is happening right now. "A large German manufacturer is coming into Formula 1 and desperately wants a German driver."
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