Formula One news
Lauda advises Schumacher to pack it in
30 August 2006Niki Lauda believes that Michael Schumacher is no longer the force he once was and that he should call it a day.
According to the triple world champion, the German has met his match in Fernando Alonso and that the young Spaniard is a worthy successor to the man who has dominated Formula One for over a decade.
"Budapest already indicated it and Istanbul confirmed it; under pressure, Michael [Schumacher] makes a lot of mistakes," Lauda told F1Racing.net in an exclusive interview.
"Alonso is much cooler in such situations. Michael is a seven-time champion, but, under pressure, Alonso and some of his peers are much stronger drivers."
The Austrian puts it down to losing that all-important killer instinct that won Schumacher seven championships.
"Michael has the better tyres, the better car and more experience. But so far, he has failed to capitalise on that."
Lauda also feels that time is already up for Schumacher in the championship race and it was the Turkish Grand Prix which held the key.
"I fear that Istanbul was decisive. Alonso has now got the boost that he can also beat Michael with a weaker car."
Lauda delivers the final blow in his incitement of the German when he recommends that if he hasn't made up his mind by Monza: "After Hungary and Turkey, I would definitely throw in the towel."
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