Instead, the German dismissed all rumors about a possible fight between him and his Ferrari protege (Massa, of course), while also refusing to comment on former teammate Barrichello. German newspaper Express quoted Schumacher as saying that Massa is his friend and such a gesture would not interfere with their relationship on and off the track.
“Felipe is my friend! There is always plenty to drink!” tried Schumcaher to diffuse the conflict. The two are expected to meet in person during the Ferrari World Finals in Mugello later this week and straighten the whole situation out.
As for Barrichello, Schumacher's former manager Willi Webber already insisted “that Rubens does something like this does not surprise me.” The Brazilian left Ferrari 3 years ago as a result of him having to play the forever-lieutenant role for Schumacher inside Formula 1. The two drivers haven't seen eye to eye ever since.
This whole situation arose after the two Brazilians decided to drown their sorrows after the season finale – Massa lost the world title while Barrichello is likely to leave the sport before 2009 – in the Disco night club in Sao Paolo.
While having too much to drink, Barrichello started doing some karaoke and called Schumacher a 'viado' (Portuguese for gay) in the process. He allegedly called Massa up on the stage to sing along with him, but the Ferrari driver initially declined the offer. A few drinks later, Massa joined his pal and forgot all about his F1 declared-mentor.
Google News