Schumacher Laments Qualifying Error
Michael Schumacher said he could not help but feel disappointment for his runner-up position in the San Marino Grand Prix - although he blamed his morning qualifying error rather than Fernando Alonso's defensive driving for his failure to grab victory
The reigning World Champion put in a storming drive to move up the field and close down on the race leaders - often lapping two seconds faster than anyone else out on the track.
Although he appeared to have had a few chances to get past eventual race winner Alonso, he just could not get past the Renault driver.
"I had a couple of areas where I thought I could have a go," he said. "I tried, got close in a couple of corners, but he did a great race and did not mistakes. That is why he won and I got second."
Speaking after the race, Schumacher believed his mistake in running off the track at Rivazza explained far more about his failure to win that his inability to find a way past Alonso.
"I am happy in one way, and obviously quite excited but disappointed after what happened to me this morning," said Schumacher. "It this did not happen it would have been perfect, but there you go.
"We got second place, we had stunning pace and performance and that is what we take out of this race after the tremendous work from everybody in the team - the test drivers and everybody just working flat out.
"I also have to say a big thank-you to Bridgestone, who have suffered in the first stages of the season from some bad publicity. I think they will get back some good one soon."
Reflecting on his qualifying problem, Schumacher believed that the incident was caused simply by his car, which was heavy with fuel, hitting a bump at the wrong time.
"There is a bump into this corner and we had a heavier fuel load so we braked earlier," he explained. "It just locked up and then you cannot recover. I don't think this is an excuse, but I am disappointed that it happened to me.
"I should not be worried because I don't make too many mistakes, but this is one and it is a sad one."
Why it's Red Bull that really leads a three-way fight so far at Silverstone
After a slow start to Friday at Silverstone, all the Formula 1 teams had to effectively cram in a day’s worth of practice into one hour. But there was still plenty to learn and while Ferrari topped the times, a three-way battle is brewing ahead of the British Grand Prix
Why the future is bright for the British GP
It wasn’t so long ago the situation looked bleak at Silverstone with the future of the British Grand Prix under threat. But a transformation has seen it restored to one of the most important races on the Formula 1 calendar, with bigger and better to come
Could mixed fortunes for F1's leading Brits turn around at Silverstone?
For the first time in many years, none of the local racers starts among the favourites for the British Grand Prix. But George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris could have reasons for optimism
Verstappen exclusive: Why F1’s champion isn’t fazed by Silverstone return
Max Verstappen is the world’s number one racing driver… and he’s determined to keep it that way. Speaking exclusively to GP Racing's OLEG KARPOV, the Red Bull driver explains why he’s relishing the 2022 championship battle with Charles Leclerc – and why he’s not worried about returning to Silverstone, the scene of the biggest accident of his career last year
Why Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar can help its F1 team
On Tuesday, Red Bull laid out its plans to develop and build a new hypercar - the RB17 - penned by Adrian Newey. As the project itself sates Newey as a creative outlet, it also offers Red Bull's Formula 1 team a number of new and exciting avenues to pursue
What to expect from Mercedes as F1 returns to Silverstone
OPINION: The British Grand Prix is a home event for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with their Mercedes team based just a few miles away too. But there’s another reason why the Silver Arrows squad is eager to arrive at Silverstone this weekend, which may help it fix its remaining problems with its 2022 Formula 1 challenger
The “solemn promise” that cost quiet hero Brooks an F1 title
After two terrifying crashes, one of the best British racers of the 1950s retired before his career peaked. But that’s why GP Racing’s MAURICE HAMILTON was able to speak to Tony Brooks in 2014. Like his friend Stirling Moss, Brooks was regarded as one of the best drivers never to have won the world championship. Here, as our tribute to Brooks who died last month, is that interview in full
Inside the Faenza facility where AlphaTauri’s F1 pragmatic vision is realised
AlphaTauri’s mission in F1 is to sell clothes and train young drivers rather than win the championship – but you still need a cutting-edge factory to do that. Team boss Franz Tost takes GP Racing’s OLEG KARPOV on a guided tour of a facility that’s continuing to grow