Schumacher's Manager Hits Back at Idiotic Criticism

Michael Schumacher's long-time manager Willi Weber hit back at the German and Italian media reports suggesting that the 7-time world champion was the one to decide Kimi Raikkonen's disastrous tire strategy in Malaysia. The German insisted Schumacher's role with the Scuderia was simply consultative and that his client had no saying whatsoever in Ferrari's strategy for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Talking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the German manager argued Schumacher was in both Australia and Malaysia only to show his support for Ferrari, as his technical advisor role did not include making decisions during the race.

“The critics aimed at Schumacher are totally idiotic. His contract with Ferrari is to expire at the end of the season and I don't know if it's going to be extended. The attack on Schumacher doesn't make any sense. He knows everyone and he was only at Sepang by accident. The decisions from the pit wall were taken by the team, not by him,” said Weber for the aforementioned source.

The wave of criticism comes in a time when Schumacher's role with the Scuderia is rather undefined. Although he is officially known as technical advisor of Ferrari F1 team, his attributions and active role in terms of the decision-making process was not precisely established.

“It is possible that he will not renew his contract with Ferrari. We'll have a meeting in mid-season to discuss it. We'll have to wait and see. However, if he won't sign a new contract with the team, it won't be because of what happened in Malaysia. Michael can give certain advices to the team, but he's not the team leader nor the team manager at Ferrari,” added Webber.