Damon Hill Defends Michael Schumacher from Criticism

Former Formula One champion Damon Hill has stepped into the defense of his former title rival and 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher, amid the intensity of the criticism he has been subject of during the past few weeks. Following back-to-back poor performances in Canada and Valencia (in the latter he recorded his worst F1 finish in career, P15) some F1 pundits argued that his might be Schu's last season in the series.

Late last year, Schumacher signed a 3-year deal with the German team, but the results he recorded so far made everyone believe he would not endure 3 whole years of criticism and he will simply leave his spot vacant from 2011 onwards. However, Hill would be the last person to write off Schumacher for the world title, as he reckons the German is full of surprises.

“Just never write the guy off. I made that mistake. You cannot count him out. He is never out. He has always somehow pulled something out of the hat somewhere,” said Hill, who lost out to Schumacher in the 1995 title fight, but went on to become world champion the year after. Hill is currently the head of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), owners of Silverstone.

“He loves driving. Where else are you going to get the same kind of fulfillment or kick? It is not about the money. He is a perfectionist, very determined to achieve things and he will want to show that it is possible to win at 41,” added the former Williams-Renault driver.

Hill is only one of a few high-ranked figures of motor racing to defend Schumacher against critics, as Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt have also done that in recent days. While the F1 supremo argued Schu is doing a great job considering he has been out of active racing for 3 years, Todt demanded more respect for his former employee at Ferrari.