![\"Norbert-Haug\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2012-rif-images\/f1-12-people\/Norbert-Haug.jpg\")
The German marque has poached Lewis Hamilton from McLaren, teaming him with Nico Rosberg for 2013 and beyond.<\/p>\nResponding to criticism in the German press, Norbert Haug says Mercedes decided to oust Michael Schumacher after the seven time world champion’s “long period of reflection”.<\/p>\n
The German marque has poached Lewis Hamilton from McLaren, teaming him with Nico Rosberg for 2013 and beyond.<\/p>\n
Former driver and German-language television pundit Christian Danner told DAPD news agency Schumacher was “dumped ice-cold”, even though he has some sympathy for Mercedes on the basis that the highly rated Hamilton was on the market.<\/p>\n
But German motor racing federation chief Hans-Joachim Stuck told Spox he was “shocked” when he heard Mercedes had dropped Schumacher.<\/p>\n
“Hamilton is definitely one of the fastest formula one drivers, but for me he lacks the consistency.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think Mercedes has done itself a favour,” he added.<\/p>\n
Another former German driver, Jochen Mass, told Auto Presse that the way Schumacher was dumped via press release was “below the belt”.<\/p>\n
But Mercedes’ Haug explained: “Michael has had a long period of reflection and was not definitively sure whether he wanted to go on or not.”<\/p>\n
When asked about reports the 43-year-old was only Mercedes’ ‘plan C’ for 2013, Haug answered evasively: “Michael was informed that the team had to develop its alternatives, he was always informed and he accepted that,” he is quoted by Welt.<\/p>\n
Mercedes\/Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche is also on the defensive, insisting the Hamilton signing is “not a reproach” of the seven time world champion’s performance since 2010.<\/p>\n
But he did admit to Bild newspaper that, “given the name of Michael Schumacher, expectations were probably too high” for his comeback.<\/p>\n
“But I called Michael on the day the decision was announced to speak with him.\u00a0 It was a very good discussion,” insisted Zetsche.<\/p>\n
It is clear, however, that Schumacher’s next discussions are with teams that might want to take him on board for 2013.<\/p>\n
Sauber, Williams, Lotus and even Ferrari have been mentioned, but the latter is almost certainly not in the frame.<\/p>\n
Swiss commentator Marc Surer told Servus TV that Sauber is a “romantic” option given Schumacher’s pre-F1 sports car past, but thinks the financial aspect will spoil the deal.<\/p>\n
“They would need a sponsor to pay Schumacher.\u00a0 So I believe that’s why this opportunity will fail,” he said.<\/p>\n
Danner, however, said Schumacher should push for Sauber if he still wants to have “fun” at grands prix.<\/p>\n
But if Sauber is Schumacher’s only option, Gerhard Berger insists: “It’s time for him to stop.<\/p>\n
“Schumacher is for Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren or Mercedes.\u00a0 Everything else cannot be an alternative,” the Austrian great told Auto Motor und Sport.<\/p>\n
Berger does not scold Mercedes for moving on.<\/p>\n
“You have to congratulate them,” he said, “as with Hamilton and Rosberg they have a great driver pairing — probably the best.<\/p>\n
“If you have the chance to get Hamilton, you really have to try,” Berger insisted.<\/p>\n
He also understands why Briton Hamilton needed a new challenge after six years with McLaren.<\/p>\n
“Most drivers need a change of scenery after three or four years,” said Berger, who in his career drove for teams including Benetton, McLaren and Ferrari.<\/p>\n
“It brings you new motivation,” he explained.\u00a0 “Of course the McLaren is the better car, but the appeal for him now is to make his Mercedes the best one.”<\/p>\n
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