RD1 on The Schum and the guy who thinks Renault cares

Okay so it’s the holidays and I’ve fallen behind on my one requirement at F1B, however, with a couple days extra to think about what I’m going to write this week (or last week, really) The Schum blessed us with an official announcement that he and his green sunglasses are in it to win it in 2010. (Looks like the fashion award just got a little bit easier) So here’s my two cents on the matter:

Sure, as a fan, I want the Schum back in F1 – he’s the master, he’s elegant and aggressive and Ferrari sacked him to soon. Yes, I understand Ferrari’s decision was a business decision and that they needed some way to get the Schum out and the Alonso in, but he wasn’t ready for it and neither were the rest of us. In short, we were all robbed of the greatest driver too soon. So in that sense, I’m glad he’s back.

What I’m not so thrilled about is that he might not suceed. Sure, this is Michael we’re talking about so why should I worry but what if he comes back and the car isn’t awesome and he isn’t awesome. And while I’ve been assured by everyone else here that that’s just not going to happen and I just can’t help but wonder. However, I also said the same thing about Ross Brawn so what do I know, right? So let’s just table that thought for now.

Also, what will the ramifications be if he is successful? We all remember the no so distance years of boredom when you knew not only whoever made it out of turn one was going to win but that it was going to be Michael. And sure at first it will be awesome but then by mid-season, we’ll grow tired of it.

But for now, it’s December so we’ll focus on the positive: Alonso at Ferrari, Michael coming home to Mercedes, Lewis at McLaren. Oh and the Button fellow too. With the new teams, 2010 is shaping up nicely.

Although what I think will be most interesting is how Nico Rosberg adjusts to this situation and what will happen to Nick Heidfeld. For Rosberg’s part I hope he views this as a competitive but mentoring environment. I’m not saying he shouldn’t run the pants of Schum, in fact, I think that’s exactly what he should do, but he should take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the master in order to surpass the master. Don’t be a Rubens, but don’t let your ego prevent you from taking advantage of being at a top team with the best driver and the best technical director know to man. Now if only they could hire Adrien Newey, it would be completely unstoppable.

As for Nick, somebody has to hire him. Really I can’t believe he’s seatless still. He’s a top notch driver with zero drama and unfortunately zero public presence. While Kubica is busy complaining about the sinking ship that is Renault, Nick sits quietly and waits. Someone has to pick him up already. He would be great for one of the new teams. Hint, hint.

And speaking of Kubica, talk about an interesting story. He’s complaining because Renault made business decisions without discussing it with him first?! Seriously, you know that F1 teams and especially Renault see you as a necessary commodity and not as a human being that should be consulted with before they make a decision. I’m guessing that this isn’t really the best way to go about it either. But then again, if we’ve learned anything about Robert it’s that he isn’t afraid to air his dirty laundry in the media. And maybe at BMW that’s what he had to do to get people to listen but I can’t see that working at Renault – so good luck with that.

And that’s your holiday column from RD1. It’s a little longer than usual so hopefully that makes up for at least some of my tardiness. I guess if you don’t hear from me in 2010, you’ll know that Todd finally had enough and replaced me with a more diligent executive whatever my title is around here.
RD1 out.

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