Dreamteam Brawn/Haug/Schumacher not working?

I made an observation last year during his come-back roller-coaster. I don't think Michael has lost anything significant in his pilotting abilities. But watching his karting, he seems to have become less aggressive- less hungry for the win. Patient and no errors - waiting to capitalize on a mistake seems to be his recent MO - vesus "willing" a pass where your either a hero if it works or a zero if it doesn't.

I'm still a huge fan. He's essentially 2 races in and all things considered- finished both respectably. But- I would bet that despite his public statements, he's not happy with his placing or direction. I believe he is more than a match in talent to anyone on the grid but his mindset still lacks a sense of "urgency" at this point. I think that's probably a good thing early on but suspect mental demons, personal expectations and other factors will naturally fuel some changes in the next 2-3 races... at least that's my hope.

BTW- I thinkg the same "sense of urgency" is currently at work on Jenson... it will be interesting to see if he can hold on to that.

 

Hmmm....

 

Maybe washed up for now is a bit harsh for Schumi but in any case he's not shown he's still his former self with the same energy and intuition at the track. His natural abilities are probably still there but he has not shown his usual hunger. Time goes by and takes a toll.

In any case Schumi needs to beat his teammate consistently in quali pace and race results. Rosberg is a very good driver but is not yet at the level of Vettel/Alonso/Hamilton.

Sepang will most likely be wet. If Schumi is still the greatest driver of all time he should prove it on Sunday.

 

Of course he went and ruined it by scoring points.
The man's his own worst enemy

 

Still can't quite make my mind up whether it was a good idea him returning or not.

Yes it's great him back in sport but ....there is a down side for his rep, he needs to beat his team mate for starters.

However if he is happy driving in F1 what the hell go for it, whatever the outcome.

 

As you may have noticed I'm not one of Schumi's biggest fans but I don't see ANY downside as far as his rep goes. Richard Petty kept racing nearly a decade after his last win but there's absolutely no doubt who "The King" is. These guys love to race and it is good (in Schumi's case, sort of) for the sport. Everyone wins except those who get viciously rammed out of the race by Schumi and those who run into his car intentionally parked in a blind corner. But it is all for the "greater" good, I guess.

 

Knowing when to leave can be the toughest part of any athlete's career. Mike certainly hasn't embarrassed himself just hasn't lived up to some of the exaggerated expectations among some fans.

 

Very well said....

 

couldn't agree more. it's way too early to discount mercedes. they may be the 4th best car on the grid, but all of the top 4 teams are so close that one small development can easily boost merc back to the top.

 

Yup...and only 2 races in (one of which was wet.) No way to know how the European portion of this year will go.

 

Well I don't know about that, take the last race battling with back markers and getting retook by them, to me he has a target on his back, imagine being a rookie and coming off better than MS, its a win in it's self. I beat MS woow..

I'm still giving him the benefit of doubt as a have said before how long can the great man be down.

Well of course...

A case of the mind is willing but the body can't keep up. I can't make my mind up yet, but I'am sure he will have some awesome races left in him.

 

Who said I wanted beer ?

I'm thinking of changing the bet anyway. I want something that validates a correct opinion and something that states unequivocally, 'I thought I knew more about F1 than I really do', in capital letters.

Here's my latest proposal, and God help me if Nico loses. Loser wears a NASCAR 'Digger' cap throughout an entire F1 event in 2011. Ouch!!!! I'll understand if 'someone' wants to back out and send some Pinot Noire as agreed (might be a blessing) .

Fwiw, Michael is quicker than I thought he would be. Nico will need every hundredth to out-qualify him and a quotient of race craft only 13% of Fchatters believe he possesses to out-point Der Geezer. Although Oz was a disaster, MS appeared to be stronger. Imho that race was particularly hopeless as a gauge of his return to form.

 

BTW;
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I like what you're saying but I'm not feeling it. Yet .

 

does it really matter though? He's not the slowest on the track by a long shot....that much is for sure, and he's kept himself out of trouble too, which isn't easy mid pack it seems. If they started culling drivers, he certainly wouldn't be at the top of a list.

 

I think you're jumping the gun. Passing is insanely difficult this season. I wouldn't read too much into just one race. But if you're that sure then we could always add another beer wager.

 

this is exactly what MS said in an interview in Australia. He was asked about the speed of the Merc and replied with a comment that until he's as fast or faster than his team mate, he can't really complain about the speed of the car.

I preferred that to the standard driver response "the car doesn't suit my style"

 

What makes you think so? I think it's just wishful thinking on your part. I agree with Andreas, Mercedes will not see the podium this year.

 

But it's a new year, with new rules and new tires.

 

It is the fourth best car. Renault is arguably ahead of Force India in fifth and scored a podium on race 2. Without question MB will be on the podium a few times this year.

 

Schumie took 7 races to win a race for Ferrari in his 1st season.



Last year Lewis didn't win till Hungary and his performance was even worst then MS currently, plus the whole liegate saga, maybe he should of retired to save his reputation too!

A true Schumie fan isn't expecting wins off the bat, only the haters.

 

Available resources. Pressure to please the D-B board ==> team's continued existence. They just got a late start vs. Ferrari & McLaren.



I personally could care less if they missed the podium this year.

 

please, no facts, this is a fact-free zone for the haters

but funnily enough I was just wondering how many races it too the Schu to win a race for ferrari and I didn't want to look up google or Der Bild