Schumacher's 2011 performance

[gridwalker]

Ok, seeing as there is a load of Schuimacher-chat in the W02 thread that is bound to be split off eventually, I figured I'd do the mods a favour and open a new thread for it.

It is pretty well known that I am not a fan of Schumacher in the slightest, but I am going to try and be objective. Schumacher himself has admitted that he is no longer at his sharpest, which means that he cannot drive the team forwards in the way that he used to. He is getting beaten, REGULARLY.

No matter what the arguments may be regarding his enjoyment of driving, if he truly loves the sport then he must realise that it would be better for newer talent to be occupying that seat. Schumacher's career can only really go in a downwards slope from here and the supporting role should be played by someone whose career is on an upwards trajectory.

If they need his experience for some reason, keep him as a consultant. Hell, give him some test duties if you want. I think he'd be best as a driving coach, as Felipe Massa seemed to flourish under his tutelage.

He can do more for the sport by stepping down than he can being number two. He is only damaging his legend, diluting his statistics and hogging a seat that could be given to someone who hasn't already had their time in the limelight.

[Dragonfly]

Only in your eyes. In mine things look different.

[donskar]

It may well be that Schu really does love driving in F1 and that his decreasing performance has not decreased that love. Tarnish his reputation? Schu has a very strong self-image. I don't think he gives two ***** what others think. IF testing were allowed to a meaningful extent, that MIGHT be a possibility for him, and he could be valuable in that role -- but that role no longer exists under F1 ridiculous rules.

[marcush.]

Schu is an awesome racer ,one of the best out there.He seems to be not the top qualyfier ..but stop.

Schumi never was famous for his Qualy speed! In fact his first pole came after Sennnas death.So in my book the Qualy speed is not alarming nor is it making him smaller than he is.
The car looks to be good enough for podiums and wins under the riught circumstances and he will deliver,given a half chance.
To me it looked like he was expecting a second row qualy todays ..so lets see where we find him in the race after lap 1 .

[andrew]

The results and records speak for themselves. With the exception of the points system they will not be beaten for a long time. Nuff said on Schumachers credentials.

His qualifying performance has always been a weak point but in race performance this year has been like the Schumacher of old, on the odd occasions when the Merc machinery works properly and at the right times.

However, to look at his 2011 performance after only 3 races and 4 qualifying sessions is far too early to draw any meaningful conclusions.

[HampusA]

Put him in the RBR and he would be winning races..

80% car, 20% driver - F1 2011.

[Pandamasque]

No matter what the arguments may be regarding his enjoyment of driving, if he truly loves the sport then he must realise that it would be better for newer talent to be occupying that seat. Schumacher's career can only really go in a downwards slope from here and the supporting role should be played by someone whose career is on an upwards trajectory.

You make it sound like he can do whatever he wants and can only leave when he wishes to. The best bet for him is to enjoy it while it lasts. Let the team management decide if that's what they need in one of their cars.

[Giblet]

I'm no Schumi fan, but I am sure his wealth of experience with setting up F1 cars and development abilities. His value to Mercedes at this non championship juncture of its existence is far greater than just a driver.

[marcush.]

the guy deserves respect.
You may dislike him for whatever reasons but taking up the gauntlet and tackle this impossible mission is really speaking volumes about his passion for the sport and that is why we are all into F1 we have a passion for it that is a bit more than being bored enough in life to watch cars going round in circles every other week...

[spadeflush]

no match? Must be why he was 0.4 sec faster than Rosberg at the end of FP3...

What is apparent is that if there is bad luck at Mercedes, is seems to hit Schumachers car. If there is goodluck , it stays with Rosberg's car..

I will rephrase my words.He is consistently being beaten by Rosberg in Qualifying ever since he has returned.Yeah i know luck has not been on his side. But its pretty evident he is better in a race than in qualifying.Dnt get me wrong i am dying to see him outqualify rosberg but it just isnt happening.

[Raptor22]

yes its evident that his race craft is not lacking at all but he needs to be in the top 5 to have a shot of running at the front. Again he is behind a Lotus Renault and a Ferrari and those appear to have relatively poorer race pace at the moment.
Hope he gets a flyer off the start and gets into the top 4or 5 by the first corner. Then he should have a competitive race.
Its clear the cars set up window is still too narrow.

If the report on the incorrectly labelled tyre is truthful then I guess they are going to get that pahse out of the way as soon as possible. He did a few runs in Quali oh the harder tyres so he should have enough new softs for the race.

[M.Schumacher]

I will not stop, you should respect me more. Had some really bad luck the last few races, should have gone quicker than Nico yesterday but my tires were to dirty.

[HampusA]

Either this is Schumacher or it´s a very sad person indeed.

Could you post a picture of yourself with a little note in your hand saying F1Technical?
Just to verify if you really are Schumacher or just an extremely sad person.

[marcush.]

maybe Schumi should prepare for the race right now instead of posting this in F1t ..

[M.Schumacher]

Sorry currently running out of time, have to make it to the grid.