Schumacher has almost brought Williams Rubens Barrichello in the wall. And the wheels are affected at almost 295 km / h, which could have disastrous consequences. Just remember the accident by Mark Webber at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
The penalty, a drop of 10 places on the starting grid for the next Grand Prix, seems grossly inadequate. The German would have deserved a suspension for a Grand Prix.
You tell me: fault confessed is half forgiven, since he apologized after the race. In many excuses: “I was not trying to put in danger. If he thinks otherwise, I’m sorry, because this was not my intention.”
I bet you also that this sudden repentance is strongly inspired by a recommendation from his employer, Mercedes. A company that puts forward the security aspect of its cars, and a responsible driving behavior, certainly do not be associated with such a gesture.
It was after the race, hot, Schumacher spoke the truth, without showing the slightest remorse
“As a driver I can change course once. There was obviously enough room to pass (as) we did not hit.” I left just enough room to pass. I ‘m not known for giving gifts on the runway. If you want to pass me, he’ll have to beat you. It’s what happened.
Change course to defend his position, it means going to put it inside for the next turn, to prevent a rival dive inside under braking in a passing attempt.
But Schumacher did not move before his opponent is taking action. He waits, watching his mirrors and then starts its maneuver designed to intimidate the other driver by pressing toward the wall, or the grass beside the runway.
In any case, if he had returned to F1 in part to rebuild his reputation: it failed.
Barrichello: “He brings with him something of the past which is no longer necessary today.”
A long history
Schumacher was not his first controversial gesture, quite the contrary.
He has a fighting spirit, exacerbated, exaggerated. For him, the end justifies the means.
Here are some examples:
Australia 1994
Last race of the season, Schumacher (92 points) and Damon Hill (91 points) battle for the world title. The German led the race but out of runway and touches a wall of cement. Back on track, he sees the Williams Hill approaching. The German causing a collision at the next corner, diving to the apex where the British, knowing that a double retirement would give him the title. This is what happens. Nice way to win his first championship!
Europe 1997
Last race of the season, a duel between Schumacher (78 points) and Jacques Villeneuve (77 points) for the world crown. Schumacher rolls in the head but Quebecers surprises dove to the inside of a bend to overtake under braking. The German responded by giving swerved to hit the Williams and cause a collision. Again a double retirement would give him the title. But Williams continues his journey with only a damaged pontoon, while the Ferrari ended his maneuver in a gravel trap. Villeneuve will complete the race in third place to be crowned champion.
Schumacher penalty: exclusion from the final championship standings.
Argentina 1998
The German did not hesitate to persecute him in a turn, the McLaren of David Coultard. It inherits the head in round 4.
Canada 1998
Coming out of the pit after a pit stop, Schumacher was not concerned with Heinz-Harald Frentzen who arrives in the Corner No. 1. Schumacher extends its trajectory and HHF cup and off the track. The Williams goes from face-to-tail in the grass, before sinking into a gravel trap.
Penalty to Schumacher pit stop of 10 seconds.
Belgium 2000
Schumacher Mika Hakkinen who sees benefits of aspiration in the long straight to Les Combes. The Finn dislocated his right to try and overtake with his McLaren. The German squeezes progressively to the right to bring up the white line separating the asphalt turf, and the 315 km / h. Hakkinen showed him the point, then takes his revenge by surpassing one lap later. In the park after the race, he will also tell how they think.
Europe 2001
By Schumacher in pole position, with his brother Ralf by his side. His brother knows a great start and even thought to go ahead with his Williams! Michael reaction: it fits to his right and take his brother and very close to the wall of the wells. After the race, Ralf will be a heated discussion with his brother. Already, the Spanish Grand Prix last year, the father Rolf had to play diplomat to calm things down between the two brothers, after Michael had blocked Ralf trying to overtake …
Britain 2003
First round, Fernando Alonso is in the aspiration of the Ferrari in the Hangar straight. Renault Takeout for overtaking. Schumacher maneuver until the Spaniard has two wheels in the grass. And at 300 km / h.
Monaco 2006
End of qualifying, final lap for the contenders for the top position. Schumacher provisional pole, but his time in the first two sectors of his final lap will not allow it to improve. Now he arrives in The Scorpion, the penultimate corner: it slows down more than usual, seems to have difficulty negotiating the curve, then stopped on the track. The telemetry showed that he stopped deliberately to injure his opponents. Alonso was on a super fast lap (the pole after the first two sectors) should slow down on reaching Rascasse on his Renault.
Schumacher penalty: removal of all times recorded, which relegates it to the last place on the starting grid.
Canada 2010
Schumacher leaves the pits while Kubica arrives. Both are side by side in the short climb to the No. 3 corner. The Mercedes began to tighten around Renault off the track, right side. Kubica was found two wheels in the grass but refuses to be intimidated and do not lift the foot. The two cars, off course, are dramatically short-circuited turn No. 3 in passing in the grass. Schumacher appears to Kubica.
Conclusion? This season, not only can no longer see the best of Schumacher (speed, dexterity), but the worst reviews.
