Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Tuesday, December 22.
Tuesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Schumacher defends Hamilton after '90 percent' jibe
© Reuters
Mick Schumacher has defended Lewis Hamilton, after Max Verstappen said recently that "90 percent" of all F1 drivers could win in the dominant Mercedes.
Schumacher suggested that when people critique the sort of sporting dominance that his own father Michael and fellow seven time world champion Hamilton enjoyed, they often "overlook things".
"When we look at champions who are very dominant during certain periods, there is often the risk that we will overlook things," the 21-year-old German told Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"For example, we often forget how much work someone has to put into it, how much energy it takes and how much talent you need to have to be able to dominate like that.
"This discussion applies to Lewis Hamilton as well as to my father," Schumacher insisted. "There is nothing obvious about having a lot of success. We only ever see the tip of the iceberg that sticks out above the water and not what is underneath it."
The new Formula 2 champion says he is not feeling any extra burden because of his famous surname as he prepares to make his F1 debut for Haas in 2021.
"I have never have a problem looking back at my father's career when people try to compare us," said Schumacher. "It actually gives me the incentive to do as much as he did. It's important to always want to do better."
Mazepin affair 'nothing to do with me' - Schumacher
© Reuters
Mick Schumacher says the controversy surrounding his 2021 Haas teammate is "nothing to do with me".
It is believed fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin is at risk of being ousted by the small American team following a backlash by sponsors, media and fans.
The 21-year-old Russian is under fire for a social media post that allegedly depicted him groping a female friend.
"This is nothing to do with me," Schumacher, who has also been signed up by Haas for 2021, insisted.
"I'm sure that the team will take care of everything."
Team boss Gunther Steiner has said he is taking the matter "very seriously", adding: "It is possible you will never hear of a punishment because we want to deal with it privately."
Social media users noticed that on Mazepin's Instagram profile, he now refers to himself as 'Racing Driver' rather than 'Haas F1 Racing Driver'.
At the same time, Pietro Fittipaldi's profile now reads: "Haas F1 Driver".
Schumacher admits he has known Mazepin since his karting days.
"We have known each other since 2013 when we both drove for Tony Kart," said the German. "He was very nice and there was a healthy respect between us as teammates.
"Then we lost touch with each other a bit and of course we have both changed since then."
As for the Mazepin controversy, Schumacher insisted: "It's not my concern. I concentrate on myself and try to get the best possible results while working as closely as possible with the team."
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton claims to have found his compass after SPOTY win
Lewis Hamilton claimed the BBC prize after winning his seventh Formula One title while campaigning against discrimination. Read more.
Marko eyes Perez's 'knowledge about Mercedes engine'
Nico Hulkenberg says Sergio Perez "deserves" to have been signed up by Red Bull for 2021. Read more.
Kubica, Orlen confirm 2021 Alfa Romeo deals
Robert Kubica and his sponsor have confirmed that they are staying put at Alfa Romeo in 2021. Read more.
Marko hails Tsunoda's 'incredible overtaking'
Dr Helmut Marko has hailed Alpha Tauri recruit Yuki Tsunoda's "incredible overtaking manoeuvres" as the Japanese 20-year-old steps up to Formula 1 for 2021. Read more.
Track designer defends Bahrain after Grosjean crash
The designer of the Bahrain GP venue has defended the circuit's safety measures in light of Romain Grosjean's fiery recent crash. Read more.
Sainz eyes longer than two-year Ferrari stay
Carlos Sainz admits he hopes to stay at Ferrari for longer than the duration of his initial two-year contract. Read more.
Binotto confirms 'Haas building' at Maranello
Mattia Binotto has confirmed reports that several Ferrari employees will work on the design and development of Haas' 2021 car - at Maranello. Read more.
