Tag: Michael Schumacher

Cast aside after what could bluntly be described as a totally wasted comeback to Formula One, let’s pause and spare a thought for Michael Schumacher.

Statistically, and perhaps practically, he is the greatest driver the sport has known. The comebackâ„¢ has not played out well. So much so, if you’d never read Schumacher’s honour roll you’d be staring down Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, and simply saying: “WTF!”

It’s actually a little sad that, at this point in time, Schumacher’s last act in an F1 car was to totally cock-up his braking and drive into the back of another competitor. Just like he did on the same stage last year.

Generally speaking, we’re not fans of Michael’s. Indeed, his dominance with Ferrari drove us away from F1 for a time. Yet, we love the category and we must, in respect for the sport, acknowledge the awe of what Schumacher has achieved. He is a giant.

So, on the day he has basically been sacked for failing to deliver consistent results, let’s share a few comments from the man himself and his most recent employers.

Michael Schumacher: “I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal: “On behalf of Mercedes AMG Petronas, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment. We will be working very hard together in order to achieve the best possible results in the remainder of the 2012 season.”

Whatever the future holds, godspeed Michael.

Those of us with long memories of Formula One will remember the buzz caused by Michael Schumacher when he qualified in seventh place for his first Grand Prix. That was at Spa-Francorchamps in 1991; two decades ago.

At this week’s pre-race press conference Michael went along with five other drivers. Naturally, most of the questions posed to Schumacher centred around his unique anniversary.

You can read all comments after the break, but we liked this one from Michael the most, where he reminisced about his doubts prior to his F1 debut:

“I was doubtful whether my quality was good enough to compete with these guys. You see them as untouchables, especially in those moments where you had (Ayrton) Sennas, (Alain) Prosts, (Nigel) Mansells and so on. I didn’t really think I could match. Getting the first experience, coming over here and driving the car, I sought of quickly picked up the confidence that it was possible and from there on we all know. At the end of the day we are all humans, we all have limits and you drive within those and there is no reason why it is impossible to beat those guys in the past and neither these guys that are here right now. That’s the good thing about Formula One. It is always a challenge and it is always a motivating challenge that is great fun.”