Formula One news

Schumi reticent as glorious reign ends

End of an era for Schumacher

When Michael left Monza on Sunday night he was still, on paper, world champion. However, it is clear that his title is now lost. He will not be able to defend his crown in the last four races. This fact seems to disturb his rivals more that it does Michael himself. 

"This has been a topic of discussion for a while," Schumacher said. "It is not a problem. It is not surprising that it has happened. What is more surprising is that so much time has gone by before it has come to pass. I would never have believed it would have been possible to win five straight titles but I knew from the beginning that the run would have ended sooner or later. At the moment, this is less important than the need to get back to our best. This, for me, was the decisive factor last weekend as our performance was very different from that which I would have liked to have put on for our fans."

It has been ten years since Ferrari failed to score points at Monza. This caused the men in red, and Michael himself, some sadness. They have certainly enjoyed better times. "It was not the outcome we were looking for. We have to work even harder to bridge the gap before the end of the season. We would like to score a win before the championship ends". 

Perhaps the GP at Spa next weekend may be the occasion? Schumacher keeps his feet on the ground: "I don't think that it will be possible to reverse the trend in such a short time. We are quite a long way off the pace at the moment. This does not mean we will not be trying our best though. No-one should be writing us off just yet. I am sure we will come back".

more news

• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit
• 26 Dec. '08
  • Montezemolo says KERS introduction is a mistake
• 25 Dec. '08
  • Season's greetings from GPUpdate.net
• 24 Dec. '08
  • Massa against proposed pay cut
  • Ferrari undecided over Schumacher future
  • Karthikeyan not interested in joining Force India
  • Mosley: Finding a successor won't be easy
  • Ecclestone won't split teams - Howett
  • Mosley may still try to continue
• 23 Dec. '08
  • WSR team Draco teams up with Force India
  • Howett: Ecclestone not able to split FOTA
  • Toyota committed to Formula 1

Homepage