And if we are to judge by the latest Top 50 presented by Autosport, the word “mediocre” would be just perfect to describe the 2010-spec 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who failed to make the cut. Returning to Formula One after 3 years of absence, the 41-year old failed to make a single podium appearance all season long, while also recording some career lows along the way.
And to better understand why the Mercedes racer was unable to crack the Top 50 Drivers of 2010 standings, we should listen to the arguments expressed by editor Andrew van de Burgt, as revealed in a report from the GMM news agency.
“If there had been just one race where you thought Schumacher was exceptional that may well have been enough to get him into the top 50,” argued the Autosport man. “But I can't think of that one performance.”
“Coupled with that, his comeback was easily the most hyped and eagerly anticipated I can remember. The expectations were so great and the results so disappointing.”
While insisting that a driver of his caliber should have had no problems adapting to the new-spec Bridgestone tires (often referred to as the main reason for Schu's struggles in 2010, along with the understeering behavior of his car), the Autosport editor also argued why Nico Rosberg made it all the way to 12th place.
“Rosberg more than had the measure of Schumacher. And what we have seen in the past suggests Rosberg is a very good driver but maybe not a great one. So to be so comprehensively beaten by him didn't really show Schumacher in a great light,” van de Burgt added.
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