Schumi's Biggest F1 Mistake Planet F1



"Today, Monday 9 June 2003, Michael Schumacher made, I believe, the biggest mistake of his Formula One career - he extended his contract with Ferrari until the end of the 2006 season."

Well, I can't really agree with the columnist on this article. He argues that Schuey will retire with an aura of excellence if he leaves the sport on top. With the rise of young stars like Alonso / Webber / Montoya / Kimi, his reign of terror is near the end, right?

I'm going to have to disagree here. Granted, Michael makes some mistakes when pressured--- so does everyone else. Name one driver who hasn't ever made a mistake when pressured by a faster car behind (okay, Enrique Bernoldi...). Kimi gave up his first win when he lost control under a full course yellow with light pressure! Montoya gave up his 2nd win (and consequently gave Kimi his first) when he spun with only a handful of laps remaining earlier this season.I reckon the only driver not to have made a (major) mistake yet is Alonso, but after driving at the back of the field in his rookie year, he's only had this season to screw up.

Driver retirement is part of the game in F1, be it caused by driver error or the car simply breaking down. The fact that Michael has probably the best finish rate of any driver in the history of F1 might have something to do with his ability.

But on to the next part of my argument. Michael is doing the right thing for himself as an athlete and the best thing for the sport. Rarely in any sport is there a single champion who dominates the competition as consistently as Michael Schumacher. There is often talk that Michael never had a true rival (I guess we'll just right off Hill, JV, Mika as mediocre?)... but in Michael's case, it's the inconsistencies of other teams to put together quality packages that have allowed Michael to consistently challenge even when his own package wasn't the best.

Now, with this next generation of young drivers stepping up, would any competitor on top willfully relinquish his throne? Hell no! He's going to fight till the end and teach them a thing or two about heart and desire.

Imagine formula 1 without its greatest hero (and arguably its arch villian). Could F1 survive without him? Would the red car seem as menacing with Rubens in the lead Ferrari? Would Kimi just run away with the title?

The hype surrounding drivers like Eddie Irvine is quickly forgotten. However, the true talent of Michael Schumacher would be soreless missed.