Schumacher blames car trouble for lackluster performance in 2010

Michael Schumacher believes that he will be at the top once again in 2011 – if Mercedes gives him a competitive car. Schumacher told reporters in Germany that the team has received “immense support from Mercedes" and that it all goes well, it can win races.

However, he said to Autocar that it cannot assume that the team will be “fighting for the championship." He said that in 2010, his car has been encountering problems while that of his Mercedes' team-mate Nico Rosberg has been virtually trouble-free.
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AgentOrange - 12/7/2010 10:58:28 AM

+1 Boost

Sorry Shoey, time to hang up your cleats..

Joe_Limon - 12/7/2010 1:11:42 PM

+1 Boost

don't the drivers help setup and develop the car? so in a way it is still his fault even though he tried to blame shift.

Renegade13 - 12/7/2010 1:40:22 PM

+2 Boost

The design of next seasons F1 challenger normally begin in May and increase over the summer months. The productions of the F1 prototypes normally begin in late October or early November and are refined over the test period after launch in January. The Mercedes GP w01 that Michael Schumacher was driving in the 2010 season was designed with a built-in under-steer characteristic that Jenson Button prefers. Michael Schumacher prefers a car with more over-steer and thus more pointy with a positive grip front end. You cannot change the inherent handling characteristic of an F1 car completely with sway-bar spring-rate or aerodynamic surface adjustment, you can only minimize the effect.Jenson button had stated the as much in numerous interviews when asked about Michael’s performance. The real test will be during the 2011 season as the Mercedes GP w02 will be designed for Michael’s handling preference.

thstone - 12/7/2010 2:52:04 PM

+2 Boost

Blame the car. Age old excuse for poor racing performance.

recca7 - 12/8/2010 4:46:21 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, it is moreso the car than the driver with F1. Put Schumi in a a Minardi back in 2002-2004, do you think he would've even been up in the top 10? Not a chance and as a Schumi fan it was a little sad to see him do so poorly but when it rained, that's when he started to shine again. He did a hell of a lot better in the wet than in the dry which really helped showcase his talent. Senna past 4 cars in the wet on one lap within a couple of turns, could he have done it in the dry..most likely not.

Can't wait for 2011 season

WorldofLuxury - 12/7/2010 9:37:28 PM

+2 Boost

Actually, how about he blames regulations for capping the fun!

JUGNU - 12/8/2010 6:50:50 AM

+2 Boost

I doubt Schumacher would be any good even if he had title winning Redbull.
But he can prove many of us wrong in 2011. A Shumi with form of early 2000 vs Hamilton vs Alonso vs Vettel will be even more exiting than 2010.
Can't wait for 2011 season to start.

JUGNU

mini22 - 12/8/2010 3:19:31 PM

+1 Boost

It is true that Shumacher did not do well this yr coming back from a 3 yr hiatus. It is also true that there are many talented drivers who only shine at the top when they have a decent chassis set up.Fernando Alonso came as close as you can come this yr. However when he previously was with Renault he did not fare nearly as well the previous yr.I'm not trying to defend Schumacher but he does deserve a car set up for his preferences. He has a lot then to proove in 2011. I would say that if he is not in the the top 5 in terms of wins,poles etc in 2011 that he should hang it up. There will be no excuses then. Saying this I do think he is past his prime. Even if he stays in the top 5 I'm not sure what he would be prooving if he stays on past 2011.The man will be in his mid 40's by then. I would think his driving skills will start to deteriorate much more quickly in just a couple of yrs.