Schumacher 'not special' according to Williams: Wolff protests, Vowles apologizes

In spite of himself, Mick Schumacher is much talked about in Formula 1. The German, who is currently in Texas with Alpine for the Lone Star sleeve Le Mans en WEC, was at the center of the debates this week in Monza between Mercedes et Williams.

It all started with a small statement from James Vowles on Friday. The Williams team principal had given clarifications on the choice of starting Franco Colapinto instead of Logan sargeantThe British manager also explained why he had preferred the Argentinian to Mick Schumacher or Liam Lawson, two names who could have taken the second Williams seat.

"If we look at the options that were available to us, there were three: one was Liam Lawson, one was Mick [Schumacher] and one was Franco [Colapinto]. With Liam, the contractual position of Red Bull would not have worked with me here at Williams (…). Then it was a difficult choice between Mick and Franco. I think both can be classified as 'good driver' but 'not special'. (…) Mick is not special, he is just good. I think he would have come in with a lot more experience than Franco. […] And the future of Williams is not investing in the past, it is investing in the talent that allows us to move forward.", James Vowles explained to the media at the time.

Wolff defends Schumacher

A statement that did not go down well with the Mercedes clan, and in particular with Toto wolffA fervent defender of Mick Schumacher, whom he has defended since his arrival at the German team as a reserve driver, the Austrian leader criticized the media outing of James Vowles, his former chief strategist at Mercedes.

"I've known James for many years, he's a strategist. Sometimes he says things too directly. That's a statement he could have done without, did he declare to British media Sky Sports. If you don't give it [a chance], don't comment, leave people alone. That's my opinion." In a press conference, the Mercedes Team Principal also defended the record of his reserve driver who deserves a second chance according to Toto Wolff. Mick [Schumacher] is someone who has won almost everything: Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2. It was, I think, crushed in the environment. Haas at the time and we didn't see it. But each team has to make their own decisions."

Vowles apologizes profusely

A media frenzy that James Vowles wanted to nip in the bud to avoid any sterile controversy between Mercedes and Williams about Mick Schumacher. The Briton apologized profusely on F1TV after Free Practice.

“When I read the headlines, what stood out was the use of the word ‘special’ in reference to Mick. I really want to clarify what I meant: first and foremost, I’m not here to put Mick down,” said James Vowles. “He’s part of a world champion team that chose him as their reserve driver and there’s good reason for that. It’s because he’s an incredibly strong candidate. And the word ‘special’, I use that in reference to multiple world champions like Ayrton Senna and Lewis [Hamilton]. It's clearly a stupid thing to do."

“Mick has had a difficult time. He has made exceptional progress and he is surrounded by a very strong team. Our decision [to choose Colapinto] is based on the fact that we want to promote our academy and our drivers. I have also apologised to Mick, the British leader said. He didn't demand anything, but it's important for me, because he's very close to me and I expressed myself badly. I especially wanted to make it very clear. Don't doubt his abilities, but for Williams, we have to rely on our academy. What we're doing makes sense."

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