Schumacher speaks, sort of: Return near 100%
December 18, 2009 by SJ Skid
Filed under People & Events, Top Story
Multiple media are reporting the closest thing they can get to actual Michael Schumacher statements today: second-hand reports from Ferrari’s Luca di Montezemelo.
Both the BBC and Autosport have stories recounting the Ferrari boss’ conversations with the former world champ.
First, from the BBC.
“I spoke to him [on Wednesday] and he told me there is a very strong possibility but that it’s not 100% decided,” Di Montezemolo said.
He said a return by Schumacher, 41 in January, would be “good for F1″.
Then, Autosport:
Michael Schumacher has told Ferrari that there is a “very, very, very strong possibility” that he will race for Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1 next year, team president Luca di Montezemolo has revealed.
[snip]
“I hadn’t spoken to him since Abu Dhabi but I spoke to him yesterday (Wednesday),” said di Montezemolo about Schumacher’s Mercedes-Benz situation.
“He phoned me and he told me that there is a very, very, very strong possibility [of racing for Mercedes-Benz]. Having said that, it is not 100 percent decided. But that is what he said yesterday morning.”
Di Montezemolo confirmed that Ferrari had agreed to release Schumacher from any remaining commitments he had to the Italian team so he could make the switch to Mercedes-Benz in the event of a deal coming off.
There you, sort of, have it. Both stories also focus on Schumacher’s neck injury as the last, albeit huge, hurdle to cross.
But another thing really jumps out. Luca brings up this idea of “two Michaels,” one who said he’s stay with Ferrari and another who is pursuing this return. It strikes me as kind of weird, and I can’t get a strong initial take on it. Here it is from the BBC story:
“A guy called Michael Schumacher told us at Monza (in September) he would renew his (Ferrari consultancy) contract,” Di Montezemolo said. “And it looked like his career would finish with Ferrari.
“But then there’s another one who looks like him, 40, 41 yrs old, German, same name and decided to do a new career.
“Everybody in life can do what they prefer, and I understand that there is somebody at 41 years who wants to try again.
“So I think it’s possible this twin, another Michael Schumacher, same age, same capability, some determination and spirit, will drive for Mercedes next year.”
I am just not sure what to make of that. Is he trying to fend off critics who will — understandably — cry that Ferrari should have kept its biggest star and the one person, behind Enzo Ferrari himself, most identified with the brand? Is he trying to claim the younger Michael as Ferrari’s?
Thoughts on that, on Schumacher?
Loading ...
I will probably catch some heat over this, but I really really really DO NOT want him back. The entire sport will revolve around him again and it bores me to death. He is a great driver there is no arguing that, I JUST DON’T WANT HIM BACK!
Lucas S.
Di Montezemolo’s “2nd Michael” quotes just seem like an attempt at guilt-tripping Schumacher. Kind of passive aggressively saying “Fine, if you want to go, you can go, but you’ve changed, man. If this is really you, you’re not the person you used to be. We thought you meant it when you said you’d end your career with us.”
The F1-live article (errrr I mean ESPNF1) ends with the quote “It seems we have nothing to offer him.” That’s pretty much as passive aggressive as it gets.
Lucas S, while I agree with the overall sentiment of your post, I have to say that seeing MS race against today’s champions and near champions will be a thrill in so many ways. He was the benchmark. Me may not be that any more, but I think his mere presence will bring out the best in Hamilton, Button, Vetel and all. They will squeeze out that last 1000th in qualifying and they’ll make their moves on him in on the track. to be able to say “I beat Schumacher in a straight fight” will be bragging rights for another year yet. And then there’s Alonso. Talk about something to prove in Michael’s old team……..
I think they are already squeezing every 100th in qualifying. No one likes to lose from the other guy even if his name is not M.Schumacher.
As of wanting to bit him so they can brag. Personally if i was Hamilton or any other guy i wouldn’t feel that i made a major achievement. Even if Schumacher could be as good as he was and you beat him, people will still say that it wouldn’t have happened if he was younger. So no glory in beating him.
I hardly think that any driver who beat Lauda or Prost during their second go-round feels it was anything to be less proud of. There is still the potential for glory, it just depends on how sharp MS is. On a good day, in a very good car, he will be formidable.