Michael Schumacher made a mistake by returning to the Formula 1 - Flavio Biratore
Former Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who was disgraced after the “Crashgate” scandal said that Michael Schumacher made a “mistake” by returning to Formula 1.
Flavio was managing director for team Benetton during Michael Schumacher’s first two title wins out of his seven titles. He spoke to the official F1 website this past week and expressed his thoughts regarding the 7-time world champion’s return to the sport.
“I stick to what I said. I think when he signed the contract he honestly believed that it was the right decision. The same way I think that he already knew that it was a mistake at the first serious test”, Flavio told the F1 official website.
The former team boss believes that Michael does not have the potential to top the young drivers as he is 41 years old now and age plays a huge role in sports.
Michael Schumacher is having the worst season of his career after his debut season. The German is yet to score his first podium this season. The 2010 season started with an average finish for the 7-time world champion as he finished in 6th place
to score 8 points at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The 41 year old was barely able to finish in points at Albert Park before a retirement at the Malaysian Grand Prix. After scoring a single point at the Chinese Grand Prix, Michael scored his best finish at the Spanish
grand prix as he finished in 4th place to score 12 points.
Schumacher finished at the very end of the pack in 12th place at Monte Carlo before scoring 12 points at the Turkish Grand prix. The German had to face two pointless finishes at the Canadian and European grand prix followed by two 9th
place finishes at the British and German Grand Prix. Michael was not able to finish in a pointless 11th place at one of his favourite tracks the Hungaroring before finishing in 7th and 9th places at the Belgian and Italian
grand prix. This is the first time in years that Schumacher has been unable to score even a podium for this long a duration.
“Then he awoke to the fact of how alarmingly fast these youngsters are today. At 41, you simply cannot keep up with [Nico] Rosberg and all the other guys”, he said.
There were many rumours that Briatore might return to the Formula 1 with Ferrari next season as he was seen with the team in the pits on various occasions. The rumours are currently at their peak after he visited Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters a couple
of times in the past few weeks. After the FIA prepared to hold the hearing for the Crashgate scandal, Briatore proved to be guilty and was forced to resign last year as Renault’s head in shame. His visits to the Ferrari base in July highlighted the rumours
regarding his return to the Formula 1 next year. It is reported that he is being lined-up with Ferrari for next year however, it is still uncertain.
“I want to have fun with what I'm doing - that is my motivation and not the need for a job. Now I would not have fun in Formula 1. At the moment I am happy with what I am doing … being a dad, husband, and taking care of my investments”, he answered when
asked about his future.
Renault’s former team boss was banned from Formula 1 until 2013 and is not allowed to get involved in any official work in the FIA but he is suspected to be lobbying the FIA in order to get his penalty reduced. However, the ban has not prevented Flavio from
managing some leading drivers or playing a major role in any race weekend. Therefore, there is no question about it; Briatore does want to return to the Formula 1 as soon as possible and hopes to do so very soon.
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