Parenthood Could Help Hakkinen, Says Schumacher

Ferrari's Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher believes his greatest rival, McLaren's Finnish driver Mika Hakkinen, will benefit from becoming a father.

Many believe drivers lose their competitive edge when they take on the responsibilities of parenthood but the German, a father of two himself, says a stable family life helps drivers cope with the stresses of competition.

Hakkinen's wife Erja gave birth to a boy last month.

"As a racing driver I am not sure you can see it on the circuit but it will help him in very critical moments to have a stable base at home. I know at critical moments it has helped me," said Schumacher.

But Schumacher, who has a three-year old daughter Gina Maria and a one-year old boy Mick, has no desire to see his children follow him into motor racing.

"My kids are growing up in a very free way. They will do as they like. I would prefer to see them playing golf rather than driving racing cars but if they choose to drive it will be up to them," said Schumacher.

The German's encouraging words for his closest challenger last season contrasted with comments made by Jaguar's Johnny Herbert that Schumacher was the "rotten egg" of Formula One.

Asked for his reaction to Herbert's words, Schumacher said: "Make up your own mind. We have many humans around the world and you cannot be friends with everyone so some people will not be your friend and will talk negatively -- that is it.

But he denied that a rift had emerged with his former Ferrari team mate Eddie Irvine, now with Jaguar.

"I haven't seen many critical comments from Eddie towards me. Most of the time, he actually talks very well (of me). I could employ him as my press agent.