So Michael Schumacher has stated that he will be racing for Mercedes in 2012 claiming that it was never in doubt. Personally I am split with Schumacher in F1, I think it is good for F1 that he is still racing in some respects because it is interesting and does bring more attention to F1, however I feel that he is rather taking a good seat that could be filled by a driver who is actually developing their career and is not just a has-been on semi-retirement. I think Schumacher is wasting that seat while a driver like di Resta or Hulkenberg could be using it to better effect. That said I am sure he is helping to develop Mercedes into a better team although I hope he is doing it with a much less selfish way in which he did with Ferrari so instead of him helping build them up for personal gain I hope his aim is to help build them up to help the team because I do not want all the focus to be on Schumacher when he has got such a limited shelf life while they have a driverr like Rosberg which they really should be focusing on.
I have been giving him the benefit of the doubt for a very long time now. All the excuses of the day,"he needs to get back up to speed", "he isnt used to the car", "he will come good when he gets his rythmn" etc etc. I thought he was finally getting there after his performances in Monaco and Canada. But his Valencia performance was so disappointing. I fear it will be ever thus with his comeback and despite any romantic notions of sealing greatness he is just too old to compete in the modern world of the super-fit driver he basically created. In his prime he was indeed the GOAT, but everything must come to an end. I would prefer he ended it gracefully and not drag it painfully out. As someone who once practically idolised him I am almost on my knees, please put in the performances or leave!
I don't think Mercedes management had any choice in this. The option was on Schumacher's side so, unless they want to be in breach of their contract, they have to give him a seat next season.
He has started produced some decent results. He was running second at one point in Canada, and pulled a terrific double overtake on Kobayashi and Massa. But he does keep knocking his front wing off,and making silly mistakes. I think that maybe the big clue to that he's at the age now where he can't think fast enough anymore. He should leave.....again.....next season and let Sutil, di Resta or maybe Kobayashi take his seat
I too am not entirely sure how Michael fits into the current F1 circus and why in fact he chooses to? Apart from the occasional reminder of what he used to do, there are a number of hopefuls who could possibly benefit themselves and the team more in that seat. I also don't see there being any or much more PR value remaining in Michael's continuation in the sport. Not many drivers have in the more recent history of the sport been able to stage successful comebacks and especially now with the annual technical changes that prevail in F1. He may miss the competition but I wonder if he still relishes it as much. He is almost unlikely ever to win again ( famous last words possibly I know ). He certainly doesn't need the money so I am a little surprised he wants in for another year. I'm not against comebacks but I'm not sure it always results in getting anywhere. My 2c
Give him until the end of this season. If he matches or finishes ahead on points versus Rosberg, at least we know there is progress.
I want him to go. He offers the sport nothing these days, he's wasting a seat in a good team and (although this isn't his fault) I'm sick of hearing the BBC bashing him after each grand prix.
