Another can of worms has been opened and I've decided to give my contribution too.

We actually don't know, how damaged the car was after hitting the wall, but after rejoining the track it looked at least drivable and it was a logical decision to defend position.

I'd say the incident was 50-50. If MS's car was really damaged, then why on earth did Hill need to be impatient and rush? Wait for a few more corners and see, how MS's car behaves, then decide, how to attack during the rest of the race. There were a lot of laps still to go.

I'd say it was lack of quick thinking and situation evaluation from Hill's part, while Schumacher adapted to the sudden situation quicker and took the maximum of it.