Formula 1
All is not lost for Schumacher
Many people are saying that Michael Schumacher can wave goodbye to his hopes of claiming an eighth world title this year but, naturally, the man himself is not about to write off his chances. With a 34 point deficit to championship leader Fernando ...
Published: Jul 13, 2005, 7:28 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Many people are saying that Michael Schumacher can wave goodbye to his hopes of claiming an eighth world title this year but, naturally, the man himself is not about to write off his chances. With a 34 point deficit to championship leader Fernando Alonso, Schumacher's task is an uphill struggle but he still hopes to turn things around.
Michael Schumacher.
Photo by xpb.cc.
However, at the moment Ferrari is suffering from a lack of grip and simply isn't fast enough to compete with the likes of Renault and McLaren. Schumacher finished sixth in the British Grand Prix and while it was valuable points it was something he obviously wasn't pleased about.
"That was disillusioning," he told his website, "but that's the situation we're in right now. We are unable to win races on our own strength, our lap-times get slower and slower over the course of a race. That's why we weren't really competitive during last race. We have to work on that, we will work on that. And then we're hoping to be able to turn the tide again, because all is not lost yet."
For the immediate future Schumacher is not thinking in terms of the title, he just wants to focus on each race and try to improve Ferrari's competitiveness. "The championship title is not the next step right now," he said. "Right now, it's all about improving our race-performance."
"In the last few races we've been developing in the wrong direction. We have to change that trend back to the other way. But of course the other teams are also continuing to work, and they are working on a very high level. That's why our situation is difficult at this time."
"But we've survived even more difficult moments in time in the last couple of years, and we'll survive this as well. None of us are new to this and we also accept the fact that our competitors are doing a better job than we are right now."
Schumacher, or any driver for that matter, will never give up on the title while there's still a chance but it's fair to say that the reigning champion's chances are looking rather slim. There's only eight races left this season and although a lot could happen yet, time is ticking away.
The next event is Hockenheim, Michael's home race, and he is not promising the fans that Ferrari will suddenly be improved, although he will have a new aerodynamic package that he hopes will bring Ferrari closer to the front runners.
"The Grand Prix of Germany is extra-motivating, because naturally we want to make a good impression there," he commented. "I'd like to be able to spread real optimism, but that's hard right now. But, how does the saying go: Hope dies last."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Briatore talks politics
Next article Sam Michael reviews Silverstone
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso backs IndyCar Barcelona race but warns against wider global expansion
IndyCar
IndyCar
Fernando Alonso backs IndyCar Barcelona race but warns against wider global expansion
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brazilian GP
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
More from
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
7 h
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Why Ferrari failed to deliver on its hype in F1's United States GP qualifying
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Why Ferrari failed to deliver on its hype in F1's United States GP qualifying
Latest news
Ryan Preece on RFK nearly lapping the pack: "You'll never see that again"
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
29 min
Ryan Preece on RFK nearly lapping the pack: "You'll never see that again"
George Russell confused by lack of pace at F1 US GP despite upgraded W17
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
39 min
George Russell confused by lack of pace at F1 US GP despite upgraded W17
Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Talladega II
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
1 h
Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Talladega II
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe