Schumacher Made a Mistake, Says Ecclestone

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has joined the group of people who were unhappy with the United States Grand Prix finish, claiming that World Champion Michael Schumacher made a mistake and should have admitted it.

The German driver dominated the Indianapolis race from start to finish before he slowed down going into the final meters of the final lap in what he claimed was an attempt to achieve a dead heat between himself and teammate Rubens Barrichello, but it was the Brazilian who won the race by a very small margin.

Ecclestone believes Schumacher never intended to allow Barrichello to win and said the five-time champion should have admitted the error after the race.

"What happened in the US was a cock-up between the two drivers," Ecclestone told The Sun newspaper. "I don't think for one minute Michael wanted to hand the win to Rubens but he did want both of them to cross the line almost side by side like they do at Le Mans.

"That's why Michael was shocked to see Rubens go by. The trouble is that Michael is not very streetwise and just confused the issue by trying to explain what happened. What he should have said at the post-race press conference was: 'I don't know if Rubens misjudged things â€" or he screwed me'.

"He should then let Rubens try to talk his way out of it."

Ecclestone, however, was happy to see the finish of the race caused some controversy and made the headlines after yet another demonstration of superiority of Ferrari, who have won 14 out of 16 races this year.

"At least what happened in the US has got people talking about Formula One â€" it's stirred things up," he added. "This season has been one-sided but it's not long since McLaren and Williams were taunting Ferrari for not winning the title for 20 years. Things have swung round.

"I hope McLaren and Williams are quicker next season and have the reliability Ferrari enjoys."