Schumacher: The way I can drive this car is how I have driven my whole life
16 April, 2012
Michael Schumacher in action during the weekend in China
Apr.16 (GMM) Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher could be the next silver-clad driver who takes a Mercedes AMG W03 to the top step of a podium.
Michael happy with his 2012 car
His teammate Nico Rosberg dominated the Shanghai weekend and, at his 111th grand prix attempt, finally broke through with a maiden pole and win.
The much-younger German also dominated Schumacher, the 43-year-old, at Mercedes in the last two years – ever since the seven time world champion returned to formula one in 2010.
But former Benetton and Ferrari title winner Schumacher appears much more on Rosberg’s pace this season, and in fact even solidly outqualified his 26-year-old teammate in Australia and Malaysia.
“It’s simple,” Schumacher told Brazil’s O Estado de S.Paulo.
“The way I can drive this car is much more how I have driven a car throughout my whole life.
“If you look at my driving today and compare with ten years ago, not much has changed,” said the famous German. “But if you look at 2010 and 2011, my arms never stopped working.
“It wasn’t my way to drive,” insisted Schumacher.
Michael with Nico Rosberg
Having followed Rosberg early in the Chinese grand prix – before his retirement – Schumacher admitted that he could not quite match the leading pace.
But, despite not standing on a podium even once since his F1 comeback, he has now smelled that victory is close.
“It will be the same feeling as when I went to the podium for the first time with Benetton, and Ferrari,” Schumacher predicted.
“When I started with those teams, we were far away from being able to think about it. But after a lot of work, I would say years – just as now with Mercedes – we had reached the stage of being able to fight.
“Most people have no idea how many things need to be changed, how much effort and investment is required. At 43 I’m going through all of this again, but it’s because I really love what I do.”
Schumacher’s Mercedes contract expires at the end of this year.
“You might not believe it,” he responded, “but I’m so focused on developing this car that I don’t think about it.
“Later on in the season, of course, it’s inevitable.
“Of course it gives me great pleasure that we are starting to see the results of this great work. I am still perfectly capable of winning in F1,” Schumacher insisted.
Subbed by AJN.
Related posts:
- Quick thinking by Schumacher saves cash for Mercedes
- Almost like old times for Schumacher starting from the front row in Shanghai
- Schumacher: From where I started it’s a real shame to grab just one point
- Schumacher: Today was a nice start into a hopefully exciting season
- Schumacher: I am still taking it seriously
@ Mclaren Fan …. nice post.
As a Brit, I wasn’t keen on Hill really, I found him to be a bit of a wet fish, but I also wasn’t keen on Schumacher taking him off either!
It was when Michael moved to Ferrari, turning down numerous offers from McLaren to drive for them, guaranteeing more immediate success.
I was horrified in 96 to see Michaels Ferrari fail on the parade lap for the first 2 races. I thought “what have you done Michael?”, but 3 brilliant wins in a truly awful car in 96 and a title challenge in 97 showed the class of the man, and I became a huge fan….to this day.
He’s had 3 bad incidents (Hill 94, Villeneuve 97 and Monaco 06) but I don’t care much for those nowadays. He is definitely more relaxed, and to those who say he is finished, would a team sack a driver who has qualified in 4th, 3rd and 2nd this year so far?
@Frans MSH
Really? MS is a douchebag? Which is more likely, that the 7-time winner of the most coveted driving award in the world is a douchebag or that some guy sitting at home trolling on his computer and his rabid opinions is the real douchebag?
Whahaha, over 2 years in F1 again and still NO podium.
Nico is doing much much better, in the same car.
No team orders for Michael at Mercedes. It shows how good he really is. Without teamorders I think Michael would not even have had 3 worldtitle’s in total.
What a douchebag.
@rachel
his already got 7
@ Rache,l Mario drove the ferrari at I think it was 43 and last drove a indi car in anger at 60 something.
Cant wait for Spa, his 300th Race.
Its just amazing that he is still racing at 43. I hope he carries on for a number years – and retire with a world championship(s)
In his first era I was never a fan of Michael Schumacher, but since the days of Michael Schumacher Vs Damon Hill front wings under rear wings wheels totally interlocked while going through corners side by side timing that showed as 1 car they were that close racing became uninteresting with exception of some of the races involving Mika.
At this present moment I find that Michael Schumacher is like he has been re-born with Mercedes his whole outlook is relaxed he is not at work he is just having a relaxing time and is chilled more approachable, and I for one would love him to have a win.
I would love to see Jenson Button take the title but would like to see Michael Schumacher have a podium and a win.
Thank you Michael.
Well done Nico, this was a Mercedes victory somehow a revival of the old gang( Ross, Michael). Michael although did not win, had as much to do as if he did, his work ethic and relentless pursuit of perfection and team spirit is invaluable.
They were not letting this one get away, Michael not as quick as Nico, happily did exactly what was expected from him, wing man, control the pace for twelve laps and allow Nico a cushion, I suspect this will be the Mercedes away all year, neither one of the drivers have much to prove so we might even see Michael on the top spot if the shoe is on the other foot by the first corner.
Congratulations guys
It’s great to see people that where ever they go they make good things happen. Ross, Michael and Newey are the engines of this great sport; Everybody can drive a car but not everybody can build a winning car.
yes you are
we believe in you
the greatest of the greats