“I love challenges and can handle them” - Michael Schumacher
One might have been tired of hearing this but the seven times world champion, Michael Schumacher, can say a gazillion more times that he has made no mistake for coming back to F1 at the start of this season.
The driver signed 3-year contract with the Mercedes GP team exactly a year back, after having announced his retirement in 2007. Although the driver stayed completely away from the track for three years, yet his fans as well as the team believed to see the
same old wonders the driver once exhibited on track. However, the much hype and fanfare created at the 41-year-old’s return swept away very soon as he underperformed right from the start of the season.
With no race win, no podium positions and just 72 points in 19 races of the calendar, the driver wrapped up the season at 9th place in the Drivers’ Championship, and stood around 100 points adrift his teammate and a much younger driver, Nico Rosberg.
As the season finally ended, many believed that the immense criticism and condemnation received by the driver all through the season will force him to give up, and leave the sport before the start of the next season, this time once and for all.
However, nothing shook the strong faith of the driver in himself. As calm and optimistic as ever, the racing icon stated that he is anticipating beginning the battle for his eighth championship next season. He assured that the team will come up with a stronger
car next year and in the remaining two years of his contract he will be able to further improve his records.
The driver explained earlier today, "The year has been a big challenge, and in this respect my expectations have been fulfilled. In terms of results, we clearly did not meet our expectations. But then, you have to fight for the things you want to achieve,
which has always been my credo. Mercedes, the whole team, me - we are working together to build something great.”
He further stated that the criticism and disapproval he has received all through the season has helped him come back with a new fighting spirit and prove that he is still the same driver who knows how to pull rabbits out of the hat when needed.
The racing icon concluded saying. “I think I have proved over many years that I love challenges and that I am able to handle them. I have not regretted my decision to come back at all."
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