Formula One: Michael Schumacher apologizes to Barrichello for the incident at the Hungarian GP
The seven time world Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher, has finally apologized to his former Ferrari team mate, about the incident that took place at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Schumacher in an effort to hold on to his spot ran Barrichello close and nearly pushed him into the concrete wall.
Schumacher contacted his long time friend Barrichello through text message and said that he is sorry about the manoeuvre, and added that there was no menace intended.
Rubins was almost knocked into the pit wall at Hungary, when Schumacher tried to block him from going past him. The Williams driver’s car skated across the track but he managed to get hold of it and escaped an almost fatal accident.
Michael said that he regretted the incident, and would like to speak to Barrichello in person and apologize. However, in Hungary soon after the race ended, Michael defended his move, he said that he was within his right to defend his place and did not regret doing what he did. It was only Schumacher who thought the move was legitimate. Race stewards took serious notice of the incident and decided to fine him. The former Ferrari driver was handed a penalty of 10 places and would be pushed back on race day in the next race at SPA this weekend.
After the incident, there was criticism from all corners against Schumacher. Even though Michael had shown no regret after the incident, he did post an apologetic message on his webpage. Now he has directly apologized to Rubins and wants the matter to be put in the past.
Schumacher said that there were two major reasons behind him sending the text message. He said that first and far most is the long history he has with Barrichello and at the heat of the moment, he may not have realised what he did. He went on to say that, the incident was uncalled for and he could have made a better decision at the time. Michael said that it is Barrichello’s 300th race and he wanted to congratulate him and also decided to take the opportunity to make things right.
Schumacher said that other big reason behind the text was to clarify that he had no intentions of pushing him to the wall. He said that if one looks at the incident it does look as if He intentionally wanted Rubins to get hurt. He reiterated that there was absolutely menace intended and that is what he wanted his old friend to know.
Schumacher said that yes he did want to hold on to his place, but still wanted to do that within the rules of the game. He said that what happened was just an accident and once again, he did not mean to cause Rubins any harm.
Rubins Barrichello who had raced for years alongside Schumacher at Ferrari said that, he had received the text and was pleased that they could put the whole matter in the past. Barrichello said that he completely accepted the apology and knows that Michael would not want to intentionally cause him any problems.
Barrichello said that these things happen on the track. However, he reiterated that he replied to Michael by saying thanks and no problem. Barrichello said that he wished Michael a good race at SPA and that was the end of it.
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