Formula One: ‘Car to blame for Schumi slump’

BERLIN: Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche insisted that Michael Schmacher’s disappointing return to Formula One has been due to their underperforming car and not the driver. Schumacher, 43, returned to Formula One in 2010 after a four-year hiatus, but the seven-time world champion has failed to make an impact on the world drivers’ championships. “We have not been able to provide both drivers (Schumacher and teammate Nico Rosberg) in the past three years with a car that was able to win the majority of races,” said Zetsche, the head of Mercedes-Benz. “With the engine we were competitive, but not with the car. And it would be completely wrong to reproach either Rosberg or Schumacher.” Last week, Mercedes announced it would not be extending Schumacher’s contract, which finishes at the end of the season, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton set to join the German team.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2012.