Lauda Doesn't Bet on Schumacher's 8th Title

When the Michael Schumacher topic comes into discussion, no one in Formula One – at least no one with a clear head – can give any verdicts for the 2010 season. While many believe the 41-year old German will get up to speed in no time and challenge for race wins just as he did in his past seasons, almost everyone agrees it will come down to who has the best car next year that will win the title.

Winning his 8th title in the series is therefore not something that most are expecting from Schumacher, but the possibility of that happening is not ruled out either. And the best way to describe this state of uncertainty before the new season is giving former F1 champion Niki Lauda's view on the matter.

The Austrian driver himself won his 3rd and last F1 title after previously giving up his F1 career. Therefore, he knows best how it is to return to a competitive field and win again. However, as sure as he is of Schu's getting up to speed immediately, he wouldn't bet his money on an 8th title just yet.

“Everything depends on the car, and at the end of last season Vettel had the best one. What is for sure is that there are many more strong drivers in the field now than in Schumacher's last years. There's no question he can keep up. But I'm betting no money,” said Lauda, according to the Bild newspaper.

Vettel's latest supporter for the world title is the championship's very owner Bernie Ecclestone, who admitted that the Red Bull driver has what it takes to become world champion in 2010. And his argument is the same: the Milton-Keynes team had the best car at the end of last year and, if Adrian Newey keeps doing what he's been doing last year, the best car will probably win the 2010 title also.

“Of course Schumacher can claim an eighth world title, but five other drivers can target this title. In the end it will come to the one with the best car,” added the F1 executive.