Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One as a no-win situation, says Jenson Button

Rob-

I understand the senitment even if I don't agree. Hawthores suggestion makes sense to someone who's concerned about what other people think. Not that I've known many "greats" but, those that I have known could give a rats arse about how others grade their historical significance. They did what they did, and continue to do what they do on their own terms.

I would hope what motivates MS isn't as shallow as building even more lore for himself as much as it is a selfless gesture in support of a team, company, sport and fan base that he has played a part in building and from which, he has benefitted as well. He doesn't need this- that much has been made clear by his manager....and many would argue there is more to lose than there is to gain for him personally.

For that, I am even more convinced that he IS one of the greats and he will not lose my respect regardless of the outcome.

As I age, there are many things I don't do as well as I did, or, the memory of my prowess has been embelished by time. Maybe both. But everyday is a gift and if my whims are at odds with anothers expectations for me- I know what I'll chose every time.

 

Exclusive photo of Michael Schumacher meeting Button after the interview:

In the conversation, it was heard Michael say "when you can take the pebble from my hand Grasshopper..."
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LOL

 

Ian:

Expectations among the truely delusional cannot be accounted for and I suspect that deep down many of those people don't really believe that he will waltz into a fairytale half season. If they do they haven't followed the sport for very long and don't quite comprehend how fast things change in the sport.

 

MS is coming back for the same reason the last Rocky movie was made. "He has something left in the basement".

I believe MS will be competitive, but he is doing this to help Ferrari's car developement for next season, to help Felipe, and because of that something he has in the basement. He has nothing to prove, so it really does not matter if he wins races or not.

 

I agree, although a bit of me thinks he shouldn't have come back, if he doesn't do as well as some expect his legendary status might be a little tarnished.

 

Good points here but I don't view this as a comeback. Ferrari asked him to drive, he didn't campaign for the seat. He's driving til Felipe is well enough, and then its done. In the meantime he gets some spending money. What were Ferrari's other options? Badoer/Gene? Please....

I'll be shocked if he even gets to q3 in Valencia. (Lack of testing is huge)

 

I think MS will do quite well. The guy knows how to mentally and physically prepare himself and seeing as this stint is finite he can completely focus on making this a success. This is his swan song to a degree and he'll kick @ss. It's also a chance for him to kick his legacy up a notch and add to his wealth.

 

MS will likely come in second place behind button, only to remove his helmet to reveal a blind fold.


btw: I don't think you can tarnish MS's legendary status in the sport - not even with speeding tickets in a minivan. Gold does not tarnish.

 

The journeyman to the master

 

If you actually think that Mike does not have a chance to win some races here then you are the one that is delusional. As for winning them all ....well I guess some can dream after all this is a Ferrari site.

 

I think he will get a few podiums/wins..... I don't see his age playing part in this at all.

 

I agree as well. I'm not expecting miracles from the guy but I love that he's stepping in at Ferrari's time of need. I respect that.

 

+1

 

if this is true...im happy for the single fact that my son will be able to see him drive...

 

Sadly age plays a part in everything. There's no doubt that at 40 he will be past his mental and physical peak and he will not have quite the same reactions and ability that he had at 25 or 30, but that's not to say he won't still be pretty competitive. It's going to be interesting!

 

time to start watching F1 again! buttons just scared!

 

+100

Button should shut his pie-hole and just drive....fans will be returning to the sport, and buying tickets, but not to see HIM. Another Nihilistic, Ego-centric Brit whose terrified of what might be lurking in his rearview mirror next race, methinks?

This is a NO-LOSE situation for Ferrari and F1 on all fronts. 'The Return of the King'. Positive Drama. True Sportsmanship. Fresh Team Motivation. Newer Fans who missed seeing 'The Champion' will get a second chance. Schumacher will tell the Engineers in Maranello -exactly- what's right, and wrong, with the car in ways Massa and Kimi haven't been able to for a long time. The best 'Car-Setup' man in recent motorsports history will get serious seat-time and the full attention of the Racing Staff. Braun and Red Bull should be seriously concerned - the Cavallino banner will only fly higher next year.

 

Ferrari have not been competitive at all this year - it is fantastic that Schumacher is prepared to even give it a go.