After he struggled in the rainy Chinese GP last weekend – finishing in 10th place and being passed by a number of drivers late in the race – Schumacher was heavily criticized by the international media, with Cologne publication Express showing a snail with Schu's head and cap on their Monday edition.
“Anybody who criticises Michael is wrong. He deserves better,” made it very clear Ecclestone, who insisted that the 41-year old German should be given a few more weeks to find the speed that turned him into a constant race winner in the series.
“Nico (Rosberg) is very talented and Michael was on holiday for three years. Ask me the same question after another two races,” added the 79-year old when being asked to make a parallel between the two Mercedes drivers after the first 4 races in 2010. In the overall classification, Rosberg is in second place with 50 points, whereas Schumacher is 10th overall on 10 points.
Nevertheless, Ecclestone has no doubt in his mind that the former world champ will win again in Formula One, and is positive that the German will not end his Mercedes deal prematurely – he signed a 3-year contract with the Stuttgart based manufacturer – due to his initial 2010 struggles.
“Michael would have never returned had he not been convinced that he can do the job. He is not a tourist in the paddock – he's here to win. And he will win again,” added the F1 boss.
Additionally, the staff from within the Mercedes organization have also praised the intense work and attitude shown by Schumacher ever since he set foot in the Brackley factory.
“For sure he doesn't deserve that,” argued Mercedes' motorsport director Norbert Haug. “He stimulates everybody, including Nico. Within the team, Michael is extremely constructive. This enthusiasm is firing up the whole team.”
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