Obviously, the man who insisted Schumacher should get back into an F1 cockpit in the first place, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, is the first to send encouraging messages to the 7-time world champion, insisting that the German does a great job recuperating from his 3-year vacation off racing.
“I think he is doing an excellent job. I do think the criticism of him is unfair. He has spent the last three years on holiday. What do you expect after such a break? Everyone hopes that he wins a race again – I hope so,” said Ecclestone in a recent interview with German website Motorsport Magazin. Notice how he said “hope so,” as compared to the absolute certainty he expressed over Schumacher's winning at least one race in 2010 a few months ago?
The fact that the 41-year old racer needs more time to get into shape is no news to anyone, as the true pundits of F1 racing have expressed doubts that he would actually win a race at his first year back. Obviously, it could happen in the years to come, after he will have gotten used to the world of racing once again.
In addition, considering that Mercedes GP's car this season has been nothing short of a disappointment so far, given that this team is actually the reigning champion of the series – 2 podiums in 9 races in 2010 – it's likely that Ross Brawn will decide to switch focus on the 2011 machine sooner rather than later.
“First we need to get our new aero package working properly, and depending on the result we will decide to what extent we then concentrate on next season,” admitted Brawn a few days ago.
Under the circumstances, Schumacher will find it harder and harder to score points in 2010, not to mention potential podiums. But at least he won't have lost his high-ranked fans in the Great Circus...
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