Is this the end of Schumacher?

If that's the case, then RB should retire too.

Look at his performances compared to MS and you'll see that there's life in the old dog yet. Not sure what KR or FA could have done with this years Ferrari.

You can't be a star if you aint got the car.

The guys a genious and still loves his racing. He'll be around for next year to see in the new V8 era and possibly go at the end of that. But if he gets a car he can compete with, who knows?
Whatever happens, it'll be a sad day when does go...

It is good to see someone/something else win.

A Jim Clark/other British (apart from maybe Graham Hill)/Herr M. Cobbler supporter.

It could be the beginning of the end of Ferrari dominance. Next year we'll know for sure. Retiring because you don't have the best car seems a bit petulant. Nigel Mansell anyone?

Cheers

Harry

The End Of Michael Schumacher

Schumacher is the best driver of recent years.

This year was also the first year in 4 he didn't have the best car also and it showed.

Mclaren and Renault have the better packages and Ferrari have some catching up to do.

Schumacher's dominant years made F1 a bit boring and less interesting. This year was a lot more interesting because Ferrari and Schumacher were no longer the dominant force.

And he concluded his season under a cloud, this time for pissing about in the warm up. So at least that’s comfortingly familiar

He does seem to have this annoying habit of driving in to people when things aren't going for him doesn't he?

Bob

Funny you should say that Bob...

He's still probably the best driver in the world and he's had nothing to prove for quite a long time... I suppose he'll throw the towel in when one of the younger drivers really starts to outshine him. Don't see much sign of it yet, good though some of 'em are.

EW

Rossi will be along soon to blow them all away,

...anyway, we did, in the last analysis, win the war!

EW

quote:

Originally posted by Earwicker:
He's still probably the best driver in the world and he's had nothing to prove for quite a long time... I suppose he'll throw the towel in when one of the younger drivers really starts to outshine him. Don't see much sign of it yet, good though some of 'em are.

EW

From past experience, some members of this forum like to have their little fragile ego stroked! Say something with a little controversy or not, you will have them calling you everything under the sun. Of late like the one about speeding etc. To hell with them. This is free speech. If you think it is an insult then so be it, others have the wisdom to see past it.

My point, you use the word "probably" means you are not sure is he is still the best driver. The young pretenders are going to whip his butt whether he has the best car or not next season. He should have retired end of last season when he was world champion. Go out on a very big high. The measure of someone truly great is to know when to stop or retire. Only a fool stays to the bitter end, and when the wheels are falling off . His car is only an excuse, sure he does not have the best ride but he did not either in some other years but still managed better. If you are saying, he needs the best car then he is truly not a worthy champion. QED

I've disliked Schumacher for as long as I can remember, it was probably something to do with Mansell but he proved to be a bit of a prat.

I discovered that Ross Braun was a Man United fan and my perspective changed a bit - althoughI am still a Maclaren fan.

Michael Schumacher is a fantastic driver. He is not someone I warm to, and I would much prefer to see a Brit winning. Alonso is young but.....

I'd like to see Schumacher sticking with it next year.

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by wellyspyder:
From past experience, some members of this forum like to have their little fragile ego stroked! Say something with a little controversy or not, you will have them calling you everything under the sun. Of late like the one about speeding etc. To hell with them. This is free speech. If you think it is an insult then so be it, others have the wisdom to see past it.

Not feeling a litte sensitive are we?

Get the impression that I've walked into the middle of someone else's argument here. Just go outside and settle it will you.

I tend to dislike things with Vodafone on them. So MS fits in to that well.

Howard

quote:

Originally posted by BigH47:
I tend to dislike things with Vodafone on them. So MS fits in to that well.

Howard

Howard. surely you don't dislike Michael Vaughan and the boys.

quote:

"2 out of 3 ain't bad".

Howard

Hi Folks,

Whilst I admire Schumacher's ability I personally find him boring and also have been incensed at his tendency to ram other drivers.

On the 'old hand vs. young whippersnapper' debate, interesting to see that in last year's Race of Champions (where drivers compete in identical machinery) Schumacher entered yet the champion in that class was Heikki Kovalainen, who currently drives in the GP2 series. The car used was the Ferrari 360 Challenge.

So, is MS the best driver in the world? Or just a bloody damn good driver in the favoured car of the most successful racing team of all time, who happened to get it all together for several boring, monotonous, predictable, uninspiring, oh-my-god its just turned into another procession, zzzz, years?

Cheers!

Rich.

I don’t think his talents are in much doubt. It’s difficult to say how much success has come as a result of sailing outside the regulations. Like the Benetton auto launch and dynamic control system that they didn’t have because when the FIA investigated the electronics the software had been wiped and was irretrievable. Or the traction/stability control that Ferrari didn’t have, until a photographer showed him in mid corner with only the left brakes operating. Of course they’re all at it. I suppose the trick is to cover your tracks. And there are all the dubious moves and collisions with other drivers – one resulting in a world championship and one losing it. (in addition to all his points from that season being voided as a penalty).

Whether it’s wheel to wheel or in clear air setting fastest times, he has been electrifying. Like I said, there’s plenty of talent there, but IMO it’s all tainted by his unprofessional behaviour and (to an extent we’ll never know) the ability of the team to cheat and get away with it. I guess that’s modern F1 for you. And it’s not like this is the first time. MS has had a few illustrious role models!

Cheers

Harry

Good points well made!

Its a pity that his talent is tainted in my mind, your mind and many others'. I'd have been much more appreciative if he'd won fewer World Championships but won them absolutely fair and square [jawed].

Cheers!

R.