News
Schumacher ruled out of Saudi Arabian GP after qualifying crash
Share
Haas driver Mick Schumacher is “physically well” after his high-impact qualifying crash at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, according to his team. Despite that, Haas confirmed that the German won’t take any further part in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following the shunt.
Schumacher was circulating in Q2 when he lost the back end of his Haas VF-22 after riding over the kerbs, the German spinning heavily into the wall – and the impact causing massive damage to his car.
HIGHLIGHTS: Watch as Sergio Perez makes history in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP
Schumacher was subsequently taken to the circuit’s Medical Centre, and from there by helicopter to the King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital for a “precautionary check”, according to a statement from the FIA.
But ahead of Sunday’s trace, Haas confirmed that Schumacher would not take the race start, writing on Twitter: “In light of today's qualifying incident, Mick Schumacher will not participate in tomorrow's #SaudiArabianGP.”
The team later Tweeted: "We can confirm that Mick has been released from hospital and has returned to his hotel."
Haas also confirmed that they would field just one car, that of team mate Kevin Magnussen – who qualified P10 – rather than running reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, in attendance with the team this weekend.
READ MORE: Perez edges out Ferraris for sensational maiden pole position in Saudi Arabia qualifying
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner, meanwhile, confirmed that he’d been in contact with Schumacher following the crash, saying: “I spoke with him directly. He spoke to his mum, I spoke to his mum a few times and kept her updated.
“He has no injuries which you can see – they just wanted to check on him, doing some scans to see that there is no damage from the impact of the forces.
“Taking any risks tomorrow, it’s not on,” added Steiner. “We are in Melbourne in two weeks and it’s better to focus on that one to make sure that we are in a good state there.”
Schumacher later took to Twitter himself, meanwhile, posting an image and writing: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m ok. Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great @haasf1team, we’ll come back stronger.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
FeatureF1 Unlocked TREMAYNE: Why Abu Dhabi is the perfect setting for Hamilton’s epic journey with Mercedes to end
Video RACE START: Watch the chaotic race start at the Abu Dhabi GP as Norris leads while Verstappen and Piastri clash
Video MUST-SEE: Listen in to Hamilton's emotional radio as he crosses the line in his final race for Mercedes
News Verstappen and Piastri give their take on first-lap clash as both endure tough outing in Abu Dhabi