What will/should Michael do if he is proven to be mortal afterall...

As in, if he is not competitive with MB GP and is out driven by Nico, should he bow out gracefully before season end or do you think he should stick it out and finish the year ?

 

IMHO if he won't be competitive (which won't happen, I think), he'll suddenly have issues with his neck again.

 

*IF* he's "struggling" come mid-season and it's getting embarrassing, then I reckon he'll stand up and say "sorry people, I tried, but obviously I've no longer got it and will therefore hand over my seat to someone younger...."

He then rides off into the sunset with his legacy still intact - Nobody can take that away.

I however believe there's *zero* chance of this happening - Nico will learn from the master, and if he listens, he'll probably bag a WDC in the future, but not yet - I honestly believe, assuming a somewhat competitive car, he's going to demonstrate once again why he's the best there's ever been..... He hasn't lost the ability to listen to the car like no other, and with RB again in his corner I think these "young guns" are in for a very rude awakening.

My 02c,
cheers,
Ian

 

Excellent post, Ian.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Perfectly stated.

 

+1 I'll go with zat.

 

There is really only one question: Is his body able to put up with the stresses involved.

A: yes: he will go on and place in the top 5 this year and win at least one more WDC.
B: no: he will see this durring early practice sessions and abandon the seat before the first race.

 

Nico will smoke him. Not saying Michael is anything but an incredible driver, time however, has moved on.

 

He should do whatever his contract permits or requires him to do. Presumably there are defined "outs" for all parties.

 

He should see out his entire contract, count the money and feel good about himself.

 

MS doesn't know how to fail. just wait and see he'll win some races, maybe even another WDC

 

I'd be suprised if this happened. Even if his body isn't in his prime. Couple significant reasons:

1) He is the car developer. He understands how to manipulate a team and get them to rally around him.
2) His relationship with Ross will probably give him the #1 driver slot if he deserves it or not.
3) winning is important. But pleasing your sponsors is important too. I have to think that Mercedes thinks there is more benefit to MS's return in germany than there is to having Nico out front.

We'll see I guess.

 

Someone isnt that educated on the matter.It's ok. I'll make sure to send you high-res photos of MS on the podium in Monaco whenI head there this May.

 

He won't walk away. If the car is uncompetetive he'll stay and develop it as much as possible. If Nico beats him (I just can't see it happening) then he's WDC material and just hadn't been given the equipment these past 4 years to show it.

 

What he said.

 

RB is still in the game and he came 3rd last year overall. MS is certainly a better driver and now well rested.

 

Kimi could not have said it better...

 

+100. If a face-saving is needed, this card will surely be played...

However...IMHO, I believe that MS, Brawn, and MB have privately done their homework and ensured that MS will be competitive BEFORE announcing his signing.

MS will not come back just to make up the numbers. He plays to win and stacks the deck in his favor. Always has...Always will. As Sun Tzu said "every battle is won before it is fought".

I have personally always considered MS as less of a sportsman and more of a warrior. From a sporting standpoint MS have many failings. As a warrior looking for EVERY means of defeating the enemy by any means possible, MS would make a fantastic warrior and I would love to have had someone like him on my patrols in Germany in 2nd ACR. With his creativity, heart, dedication, team spirit I would make place for him on my team any time.

 

In other words, if he's a pain in the neck, he'll have a pain in the neck.

 

Schumacher is the aging quarterback brought in to mentor the Heisman Trophy winner as the future star.

Just ask Leinart how that's working out with his "mentor" Warner.

 

I don't see him quiting. Maybe he'll retire after the season is over but won't quit. anyway, i see him winning another WDC before his next retirement.

 

He's not going to quit, with as much money as he will bring in selling t-shirts, hats and posters. Same deal as Washington Wizards #23 jerseys when MJ tried to 'play' there his last year in the NBA.
ANYONE Merc could bring in won't bring the recognition MS will, in the rag trade or in the press.

 

i just dont understand all the negative talk that mike wont be competitive?...i personally think this:
1) brawn last year obviously had the best car / setup / technology
2) brawn and schumacher have great history together "i think the combo was what won all the championships"
3) schumacher & brawn are now back together
4) now unlike never before "they together have mercedes" "which have alot more $ than ferrari" / f1 budget...
5) I would be shocked if Mike was not world champ again....his neck is fine!

especially looking at the other drivers in the field...

-but im still cheering on the RED cars....always..no matter the driver.

 

IMO, if MS fails, it should be the car. And i don't see him walking away from it either. This is his final chance. He has to prove it and seal it. If he walks away, and if he wants to make a comeback again, i doubt anyone will take him in because of that.

But then again, this is MS. When does he ever quits?

 

Hey Mr. Education, be sure to take plenty of photos and post them. Carlo the Ferrarista had some fantastic shots from Monaco for the FChatters last year.