Son Mick becomes “own brand”
Steiner raves about Schumacher’s legendary status
07/20/2022, 09:27 am
Special honor for Michael Schumacher: The ex-racing driver receives the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia. Günther Steiner, team boss of son Mick Schumacher, emphasizes his importance for Formula 1 and Germany as a location. He also praises his pilot.
Seven-time world champion, icon of sport, global brand. Michael Schumacher stands for maximum success in Formula 1. Schumi will be honored with the State Prize this Wednesday for his sporting triumphs, his social commitment and services to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. His family will be there at this emotional moment in Cologne. The laudatory speech at Motorworld Cologne, just 25 kilometers away from Schumacher’s home in Kerpen, was given by his companion and sponsor Jean Todt.
Before the award, Haas team boss Günther Steiner explains on RTL/ntv why Schumacher has such a special status. “Michael is a legend for all Formula 1 fans. He brought Formula 1 in Germany to what it is and was. Before Michael, there wasn’t much going on with Formula 1 in Germany.” He is the “first modern multiple world champion”, says Steiner, who “brought perfection” into racing and further development. “He gave a lot to develop.”
“Don’t take advantage of the last name”
Ten years after the end of Schumacher’s career at Mercedes, his son Mick drives in the Steiner team. The South Tyrolean believes that, despite the incredibly well-known surname Mick, he is “on the way” to becoming his own brand. This development is only a matter of time. “He doesn’t just use the last name for himself. He tries to be himself,” says Steiner. “It’s just going to take a little while. Because it’s easier for people to call him Michael’s son. It will work out over time. He’s helping to become his own brand.”
Above all, his sporting success helps. In the past two races, Schumacher really came up trumps, taking eighth place (British GP) and sixth place (Austrian GP) – a career best. He gets most of his support and strength from his family. Mother Corinna and sister Gina were among the first to congratulate on the radio after Mick’s dream of points came true in Silverstone. He is “very close” to the family, says Steiner. “It’s always nice when young people have closeness and respect for their families and that they work together. The family has gone through difficult times. It’s understandable why it is like that. But it’s nice to see.”