Subscribe

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

Schumacher defends Hungary driving

Michael Schumacher refuted claims of "horrendous" and "crazy" driving from Rubens Barrichello after the pair nearly came together during the latter stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix

With three laps remaining, Williams driver Barrichello moved alongside Schumacher's Mercedes on the run to the first corner, only for the German to squeeze him against the pit wall.

While the pair did not touch, and Barrichello completed the pass, stewards announced that they would investigate the incident after the race.

But Schumacher was adamant that he had done nothing wrong.

"We know certain drivers have certain views and then there is Rubens," said Schumacher, speaking to the BBC.

"As a driver, you have the ability to change the line once. That's what I was driving to. Obviously there was space enough to go through [because he did]. We didn't touch, so I guess I just left enough space for him to come through.

"I'm known not to give presents on the track. If you want to pass me you have to fight for it, and so it was [here]."

Schumacher said that his lack of pace compared to Barrichello during the closing stages was down to his tyres having completed 55 laps whereas Barrichello's had little more than 10 laps worth of wear.

"There is not much to say other than he obviously had fresher tyres and my job was to get the last corner spot on," added the seven time world champion.

"I had a line of about five centimeters that I had to hit and that lap I obviously ran a little wide and started sliding, so my exit speed was a bit compromised.

"I knew that he was coming so, from my point of view, I was moving over to the inside to make it very obvious and clear to him 'go on the other side, there's more space for you.' He didn't choose to, so it got a bit tight.

Schumacher, who finished 11th, said that he did not expect to receive a penalty as a result of the incident.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Hungary Sunday quotes: Lotus
Next article Hungary Sunday quotes: Force India

Top Comments

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