Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

Bagnaia undergoes successful arm surgery, targets MotoGP return at Silverstone

MotoGP
British GP
Bagnaia undergoes successful arm surgery, targets MotoGP return at Silverstone

Why F1's future engine rules offer new opportunities but also new pitfalls

Feature
Formula 1
Belgian GP
Why F1's future engine rules offer new opportunities but also new pitfalls

How the new WRC event format at Rally Estonia will work

WRC
Rally Estonia
How the new WRC event format at Rally Estonia will work

Bedrin commands GB3's European leg to build sizeable points lead

National
Bedrin commands GB3's European leg to build sizeable points lead

Top five roles on Motorsport Jobs this week

General
Top five roles on Motorsport Jobs this week

Aprilia moves up in MotoGP concessions as Ducati and Honda drop down

MotoGP
German GP
Aprilia moves up in MotoGP concessions as Ducati and Honda drop down

Bortoleto: F1 hasn't lost its 'magic'; drivers need to "turn the page" on 2026 complaints

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Bortoleto: F1 hasn't lost its 'magic'; drivers need to "turn the page" on 2026 complaints

Top 10 F1 drivers of the 2010s

Feature
Formula 1
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 2010s

Barrichello: No Point in Arguing

Michael Schumacher took one of the most controversial wins of his Formula One career in Austria on Sunday as his Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello ceded the lead to him seconds from the finish.

Michael Schumacher took one of the most controversial wins of his Formula One career in Austria on Sunday as his Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello ceded the lead to him seconds from the finish.

It was the second Ferrari one-two of the season, Schumacher's fourth victory in a row, the 58th of his career and Ferrari's 149th. But it was an undeserved triumph, a cynical win that came at the same circuit where team orders last year also forced Barrichello to yield to him - in that case for second place.

There was uproar and consternation when Barrichello, who had led from pole, slowed just metres from the chequered flag as Schumacher sped past for his first ever win in Austria.

The victory completed the German's set of Grand Prix trophies, having now won at every circuit on the calendar and the four-times World Champion now has a lead of 27 points in the Championship race over Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who was third.

The furore was barely abated by Schumacher allowing Barrichello, who seemed to be fighting off the tears, to stand on top of the podium alongside him at the end of an action-packed and potentially tragic race.

"It was a team decision, I've just signed a two-year contract with them and I think I should have respect," said Barrichello, who had looked set for his second Grand Prix win. "There's no point in arguing, my determination will take me to a lot more wins.

"Michael gave me the trophy (which) I take home today so I'm happy for that."

Until the final few seconds, Barrichello had done everything right. He had been fastest in practice, qualified on pole and led for 70 of the 71 laps. Schumacher had never challenged him during the race or attempted to overtake and the German said he too was unhappy at how the race had ended.

"I'm not very pleased about it, I don't think any of us are really... I'm thankful for the points but obviously I don't take a lot of joy from the victory," Schumacher said.

Previous article Crowd Boo as Schumacher Gets Gifted Win
Next article Schumacher Considered Ignoring Team Orders

Top Comments

Latest news