Mercedes boss believes Michael Schumacher has struggled due to incompetent car – Formula 1 news
Mercedes boss, Dieter Zetsche has said that Michael Schumacher has struggled since his return to Formula 1 because they couldn’t provide him a competitive car as compared to the other rivals.
Schumacher took retirement back in 2006 but decided to come back in the sport with the Brackley based team in 2010. However, the seven-time world champion was completely outperformed by his teammate, Nico Rosberg in the last two seasons.
Even though, he performed remarkably well in the qualifying of few races this year. Conversely, he could not convert his higher grid slots into good race finishes, mostly because of the technical issues in his car.
Meanwhile, he has been surrounded by many rumours that the veteran German driver has grown too old for the game and should take his retirement. Nonetheless, he gave a tremendous answer to all his critics after delivering an incredible performance in the
European Grand Prix in which he secured an inspiring third podium finish.
Moreover, Zetsche has recently clarified that Schumacher and his teammate, Nico Rosberg has faced difficulties in the season until now as they have not been able to provide them the car which is competent enough of challenging other contenders.
“We have not been able to provide both drivers (Schumacher and teammate Nico Rosberg) in the past three years with a car that was able to win the majority of races,” Zetsche, the head of Mercedes-Benz, told Wednesday's edition of German daily Bild.
“With the engine we were competitive, but not with car. And it would be completely wrong to reproach either Nico Rosberg or Michael Schumacher,” he said.
Besides, he said that it is true that expectations were too high from the record championship holder but unfortunately everything didn’t go as it was expected. Nevertheless, he said that they are pleased to have the legendary driver in their team.
“Given the name of Michael Schumacher, expectations were probably too high. But I called Michael on the day decision was announced to speak with him. It was a very good discussion,” he added.
It will be important to mention that the future of the 43-year-old is still undecided in F1 as his contract is going to expire at the end of this season and the Silver Arrows has recently signed a new deal with Lewis Hamilton of McLaren who will be driving
as Rosberg’s teammate in 2013.
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