Lewis Hamilton plays down Michael Schumacher challenge in 2011
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso stated that Michael Schumacher is going to be one of the most competitive drivers in 2011 and is going to create a lot of problems for Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull Racing Team.
However, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton recently stated that Schumacher is not going to be a ‘big threat’ for the title.
“I won't say what I think. He's a seven-times world champion so you have to assume he will be at his best this year if he wants to be, and if his car and his team have done a good job. Personally I don't think it's going to be much different to the previous
season,” said Lewis.
Michael Schumacher had a disastrous 2010 season as he finished in 9th place almost 70 points behind his teammate Nico Rosberg in the drivers’ standings. This was statistically the worst season in the seven-time world champion’s career.
Schumacher returned to the sport with Mercedes GP which is headed by Ross Brawn after retiring in 2006. He won 5 seasons consecutively from 2000 to 2004 but in 2005, Fernando Alonso became the only driver to beat Schumacher during his peak.
On the other hand, 2010 was a very good year for McLaren as both of its drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button competed for the title actively until the very end.
However, Lewis’ teammate Jenson Button thinks that Mercedes will be competitive in 2011 and as a result, Schumacher will be at his best once again.
“They are definitely a team that will be fighting for victories this year. I think when Michael gets the car around him that he feels he has been a part of, he will be competitive,” said Button.
2011 is going to be a historic year for Formula 1 as this is going to be the first time that five world champions will race alongside each other. It is also going to be interesting to see how the teams make use of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System and movable
rear wings during the season.
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