Irvine: Brawn is not Crucial to Schumacher's Success

Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has taken up the uncommon belief that technical director Ross Brawn had little to do with Michael Schumacher's success.

The Ulsterman, currently driving for Jaguar, after four years of running alongside the newly crowned World Champion, told The Sun: "Brawn has been given massive credit for helping Michael to the world crown. What utter rubbish! McLaren duo Mika Hakkinen and Coulthard failed to stop Schumacher because they were not fast enough.

"It's true, Ferrari can be very flexible with their strategy but - again - that is down to Schumacher's incredible pace.

"So when a McLaren pits, Schumacher is able to run for several more laps, open up the lead he needs, then come in for his stop - and return to the track in the lead.

"That makes technical director Brawn come out looking like some kind of superstar. I'm sorry to shatter the illusion that many have, but he has little to do with Schuey's success.

"Take Schumacher out of the equation and what would Ferrari have won?"

Irvine added that the performance of Schumacher's current teammate, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, makes for a better yardstick to Brawn's contribution. "Rubens is a damn good driver and has Brawn at his side - but it did little for him all season," said Irvine, adding: "There is no doubt Schumacher deserved the title because Hakkinen, the man who could have given him a harder time, was asleep in the middle of the season."