Last weekend, in Valencia, the 41-year old champion recorded his poorest race finish in his entire career (P15), which once again triggered intense criticism and even mocking in the international media. However, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone moved quickly to defend the German, and now Jean Todt reckons people should think twice before pointing fingers at the 7-time world champion.
“You know, it's all depending on the car you drive. Michael is a great person, a great Champion,” said Todt in an interview with Autosport, hinting that Schu’s poor performances are rather car-related than a consequence of “forgotten” driving skills.
“I mean, I don't know somebody else who has won seven titles, 91 grands prix. Some people when they judge, they must be very careful, very respectful of what he has been doing,” added the Frenchman.
Most of you know already that Todt has been Schumacher’s team boss for more than a decade, a relationship that brought Ferrari close to a dozen world titles (both drivers and constructors). However, the German driver decided to return to F1 racing after 3 years of vacation with Mercedes-Benz, and has so far scored less than half the points of his much younger teammate (but driving the same car) Nico Rosberg.
Schumacher is currently 9th in the overall classification, with 34 points, but is yet to clinch a podium finish. Also, in 4 of the 9 races so far, he failed to make it inside the Top 10.
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