seen the Ferrari's struggle, have been more exciting that the Scarlet steam-roller of several consecutive seasons past. The sports governing body, the FIA, succeeded in its quest of curbing the Ferrari dominance, or was it just a case of what goes up must come down – perhaps both.
There's every reason to believe that this coming season will be as exciting as ever – new drivers in new cars with new regulations to contend with. Now double world champion Alonso has traded in his bright blue and yellow overalls for the more sedate McLaren colours – perhaps indicative of the fact that he'll now be taking instructions from the more controlled and deliberate Ron Dennis, as opposed to the flamboyant Renault team boss, Flavio Briatori.
The Iceman, Kimi Raikonnen, and the rising Brazilian star, Felipe Massa, will be fighting for supremacy in their respective scarlet steeds – quite an unfamiliar position for the Maranello based squad who've had a clear number one in Schumacher since 1996. Renault, on the other hand, will be trying to retain its top position without perhaps the strongest driver lineup on the gird. There's certainly any number of unanswered questions as each multi-million dollar team strives for one-upmanship – a very exciting scenario indeed.
As a Formula 1 fan though, deep down I can't help feeling a little cheated. Simply because the driver with the most talent and ability will voluntarily be on the sidelines and not in his rightful place – behind the wheel of his Formula 1 Ferrari. It just doesn't feel quite right. This is a man with seemingly supernatural ability behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car – a man that's revolutionized the sport, and someone who as recently as his last race appeared to be at the peak of his tremendous ability, which, more often than not, puts him head and shoulders above the rest of the field.
Not that you can blame Schumacher for retiring – he's given his entire life to the sport and has achieved more than any other driver in its history. Frankly, one can only imagine how difficult this decision must have been – surely it would take an enormous amount of courage to walk away from a sport that has been his life for so many years, a sport that he's dominated for a majority of those years.
We've seen world champions before, in any sport, who've failed to grasp when their time has come, and have continued long beyond their prime. You may not be able to fault his decision to retire, but take my word for it – you'll miss his talent and tenacity nonetheless.
Schumacher's not normally associated with the lighter side of the sport, yet contrary to popular belief, Michael seemingly also has a sense of humor. I remember reading of an incident during the early days of his racing career, prior to the days of Formula 1. He was teammates with former Formula 1 driver Heinz Harald Frentzen during their time as Mercedes sports car drivers. They were driving to a medical exam prior to a race and Michael was behind the wheel, hurling the car through some tight and twisty mountain roads. Heniz Harald recalled that Schumacher drove like a man possessed. Much to his relief, they reached their destination in one piece and headed for the medical exam. Michael's heart rate was perfectly normal whereas Heinz Harald's was through the roof – he failed the medical whereas Michael passed with flying colours.
We wish you the best Michael. Now let the games begin |
