Brawn open to extending Schumacher deal
Mercedes GP boss Ross Brawn has not ruled out a new deal for Michael Schumacher after his current one expires.
The seven-time champion has a contract with the team until the end of the 2012 season, but Brawn says there is no reason not to extend it if Schumacher, who turns 43 in January, and the team enjoy a strong campaign next year.
"The contract includes one more season, but obviously should we both have a good year, both the team and Michael, then why not carry on for another year?" Brawn told Autosprint.
"It all depends on 2012: midway through next season we'll take a collective decision. I'm very calm: we have plans, at the moment, and I really don't believe he's thinking of going elsewhere..."
Brawn conceded his team has not performed as expected this year, but he was still encouraged by his squad's ability to extract the maximum from the car it had, especially during the second half of the season.
"For sure, in the second half of the season, we've extracted everything we could extract out of the car," he added. "The team has done very well, just like the drivers. We don't yet have a good enough car, but we are improving on this front too.
"But as a team, I repeat, we can be reasonably satisfied with what we've got out of the car. Just to be clear: I'm not saying we're content with the results thus far. We aren't competitive enough to get regularly on the podium or to do even better.
"Performance-wise we must improve, but as a team - and I'm talking about everyone's effort, reliability, preparation - we are top class."
Mercedes has ramped up its efforts to return to winning ways year, signing former Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa as well as Geoff Wills, who will join technical director Bob Bell.
Brawn is hopeful the new structure will reap rewards.
"In broad terms, Aldo is engineering and Geoff is technology," Brawn explained. "That means that Willis deals with aerodynamics, the car's dynamics, the checks, while Costa deals with the mechanical side, the integrity of the project, the transmission, and so on. Bob Bell is the technical director and he will have to ensure the group of people works well together.
"The point is that top people like Geoff and Aldo can't be boxed up. They have their areas of responsibility, but it would be silly to confine them in their roles. I've never worked like that, neither in Ferrari nor today in Mercedes. They must be able to interact among themselves if they so wish."
Comment 24 - 43 of 43
Come on Schuey show them how to do it!!!
don;t forget jack and fangio where over 40 when they where racing in F1
sounds like a dream team here comes schumacher everyone
A quick messgae from 'ifjbwinsitilleatmyundies.
From a Brit.
We do indeed tend to support quality drivers, rather than world champions per say. However, I think you would have to agree that there is reasonable correlation between talent and world championships. In fact, I don't think I could name a former F1 world champ who could be seen to be less than a good driver. Particularly in the case of Schumacher, where I would have to say 7 world championships do indicate pretty strongly a degree of talent beyond that of his peers. Not withstanding the argument that the sport has changed, I think it reasonable that Carlo might expect reasonable reuslts from Schumacher next year, particularly given the comparative of Rosberg (who has had pretty varied levels of performance).
Secondly, your comments that dictate a feeling of hatred of an entire nation for one driver, may have been overstated. Whilst as a nation we were not endeared by Schumachers actions towards Damon Hill, I think it is fair to say that the majority of 'Brits' have always enjoyed watching Schumacher race - his quality was undeniable.
Finally, your comments on spelling. Well, feel free to proof read this post, I don't think you will find any error. After all, I am communicating in 'ENGLISH', or my mother tongue if you will. Your poor grammar throughout your thread is testament to your own willingness to criticize others, without having actually identified your own weaknesses. An example if you please: 'one more thing you got in common with Brits'. . . i think we are all aware of the correct way to address this statement. Perhaps, one more thing you have in common. Yes, that would have been correct. Never mind. I await your vitriolic, but tough to follow response. Donut.
You blew up one of our VC10s you palestine scum.
@36 Schumacher was a good driver but he will NOT beat Rosberg in 2012 either!! I am not sure what motivate Schumi to drive when he had a fantastic F1 career. My guess is money and bigger ego. Schumi clearly thought he could beat the likes of Hamilton, Button, Webber, Alponso and even Massa with his name and past glory. If anyone think 2012 going to bring him a new lease of life they are sadly mistaken. I cannot think how he is going to compete with Hamilton and Button let alone Vettel.
@ 38
Carlo
If you have not already, you should really consider moving to Britain....most brits worship `good drivers` not champs....and has beens like Schummi (They hated him when he was a winner!)....oh and one more thing you got in common with brits......god awful spelling (Rasberg)
Schumacher is a good driver an will beat rasberg next year.
does anybody think that maybe rosberg beneficiates from schumi´s expertise in setting up the car? i certainly think it could be a possibility. i do not believe Schumi has lost its ability to drive, anyone who thinks that, doesn´t know how to swim or ride a bike. i think, provided with a good combination of engine, chassis and aerodynamical package, he can bring a big surprise in the world of F1
Interesting to note that Aldo Costa joined Mercedes not because he was head hunted by Ross Brawn but because he was sacked by Team Cheatari because he is useless. He should therefore get on well with Herr Schunutter.
Time Fat Boy retired and took Herr Schunutter with him. Give Di Resta and the Hulk a chance.
mc is the only reason why i watch f1. extend another year please.
misterb you are such a vvanker
WIth age you naturally lose some of your edge, however this season MC has demonstrated that he is capable of performing with his team mate in the 4th best car on the grid. The difference in points between them is only 7, which is a 6th place finish. I think we will see more of Mercedes next season, as I have a funny feeling that the top 4 teams will be a lot closer in 2012.
The sad thing is (as has been proven on the track) It's got NOTHING to do with his ability anymore. It's all about milking his past for as much sponsorship that it brings while watching his reputation tarnish more and more.
Schumacher has ONLY been a menace on the track this year and last and has done nothing to show he could win again.
He is finished, but he does not know, I think it is the problem!!!
I admired Schumacher ever since he was in Benetton and I still do cause he remains almost competitive with the best. However, I remember him 10 years ago saying that as soon as he becomes slower than his team mate he would leave the sport. I expect him to stand by his claim after next year. I know that Rosberg is a very good driver but the truth is, Schumi is not Schumi anymore. 10 years ago he would be winning races in the "inferior" Mercedes car.
happy to see MS stayed with Mr Ross Brawn.(Mercedes GP team)....Hoping MS stay for few more years untill 46 year old...Go Mercedesgp Go!!!!!!!!!!
It's good to be happy with current performance and hope for better showing next season ! But Merc & Shumacher didn't associate well with second best brand !
@donkeydoyle: You are right about that!!; Rosberg has a 5 dnf,Schumi has 7, and the difference in points is only 7 points in favor of Rosberg; So!! some people in this forum are convinced that Ros, is doing better then schumi, but in reality is not like that;The two xtra dnf that schu has makes the differnce in points, but we dont know exactly what would it have been with those points;So as a Schu fan!! i should say he is the winner, but to be fair,because we don't have all the fact I call this even till next race in Brazil.- Best finish in points in one race so far belong to schumi with 12 points, and Rosberg best in one race 10 points; Also Shu has a record for most passing car during 2011.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account