Will SchM succeed in his comeback?

I ask this because several champions have previously tried comebacks but have not impressed. Perhaps they did not get into a top team, or maybe they have simply lost touch with developments in F1.

However, I do see SchM as a different personality, one who is more keen, is fit, and appears (to me anyway) to be a helluva lot more determined in every way.

Now, on the eve of his first real trial, the eyes of the F1 world are upon the all time champion. If he succeeds, there will be many here who will say :"I told you so". And if he doesn't, there will be many more who will say:"I told you so"

So what do I think? despite the fact that I never really liked the guy, my feelings are that he will kick arse. He will make some, who claim to be the the top guys in F1 look pedestrian when up against him.

The fun starts tomorrow, and we will see who is top, who is middle, and who is simply middling.

So, what do you think? ioan is exempt from voicing his thoughts - we already know what he thinks. :p :

I think he still has it in him... Whether Brawn/Merc does or does not will be the deciding factor.

I'll put it this way - his 2006 season was more impressive than the championship winning seasons from subsequent drivers, in my view.

He won't be fooling around out there.

They wouldn´t have signed him at merc if they hadn´t a clear idea of his future performance, so I think he´ll have an at least decent season for his starndards, which is already quite good. Anyway, I´ve never liked him very much, so I hope he does not have a monster season :P

I hope he'll embarrass himself but probably he won't... he's a decent driver

He's still committed and enthusiastic about racing, so I can see him winning a couple of races. I don't see him being in the title fight by the end of the year though, and I think it'll be more down to the car than the driver.

i hope he can get 9 wins in 3 years to take it to 100 wins

Best possible scenarion IMO is a season like 2003 or 2006, a fight for the championship, he may win, he may not. Worst possible - like 2005. But we'll see. I'm a bit afraid, because he is older and some of the younger drivers are quite immature, but hopefully everything will be OK.

I don't really mind whether he's successful or not. His presence back in the championship will be fascinating, however well he does — and he won't do badly, I'm sure.

The answer to the question will be determined by how you define success. If success is defined by a championship then it's going to be tough. If success is merely race wins then I think he'll be successful.

Another question is just how good are the guys who fought for the championships in Schumacher's abscence the last 3 seasons? The only driver on the grid who's beaten Schumi in a title fight is Alonso. Given the quality of the three Ferraris since he retired would Raikkonen, Hamilton and Button have won their championships? Button definitely because the F60 was rubbish, but the other two? Maybe, maybe not.

So this might be the toughest field he has faced since his early days but without Schumacher as a bench mark how do we really rate Massa, Hamilton, Vettel and Button?

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Originally Posted by eu

I hope he'll embarrass himself but probably he won't... he's a decent driver

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That's got to be the understatement of the year - seven WDC and he's a 'decent driver'!! I don't much like the guy, but even I am forced to admit he's a little better than decent....

Whether or not he still has it in him to win another WDC is open to question, and a large part of that is whether the Merc is a championship contender or not. I await the outcome with great interest.

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Originally Posted by Hawkmoon

The answer to the question will be determined by how you define success. If success is defined by a championship then it's going to be tough. If success is merely race wins then I think he'll be successful.

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Almost word for word what I was going to write.

He'll certainly have a better come back than, say JV or Alan Jones who both tarnished their reputations by returning to less than front running material, but perhaps not the title success enjoyed by Prost or Lauda after their returns.

What I'm interested in seeing is how his racecraft has held up. Prost was out for a year and was rusty when he came back getting his a$$ handed to him by Senna in a weak McLaren in the early GP's, Lauda was out 2 years and took a handful of GP's to look like himself - Schu's been out double that time so its going to be interesting how he copes if he's P6 and in the pack diving into turn one.

Depends on what goals he's set himself on "success". Will he be competitive? Yes I think he will but i'm not sure he's got enough to win the championship (due to Ferrari and Mac steeping up their game vs Merc), however, he could decide who does by taking crucial points off them in some GPs

He'll win a few races I have no doubt.

Unless he's being sponsored by Age Concern I question whether he has the hunger for WDC and go wheel to wheel and not lift. Schumi is now a sitting target and the young 'uns today have a bigger appetite for glory.

I don't think MS lacks appetite. That's why I've never liked him.... I find his grotesque appetite disgusting. Nothing was too much for him to get his win. I don't think people get cured from this.

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Originally Posted by Hawkmoon

Another question is just how good are the guys who fought for the championships in Schumacher's abscence the last 3 seasons? The only driver on the grid who's beaten Schumi in a title fight is Alonso. Given the quality of the three Ferraris since he retired would Raikkonen, Hamilton and Button have won their championships? Button definitely because the F60 was rubbish, but the other two? Maybe, maybe not.

So this might be the toughest field he has faced since his early days but without Schumacher as a bench mark how do we really rate Massa, Hamilton, Vettel and Button?

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That's as pointless as asking whether Fangio or Lauda would have beaten Schumacher...they didn't race together but that doesn't diminish what they achieved.

It's like asking if McLaren and RBR had DDD from the start whether Button would have won? It's all ifs and buts. Ultimately it's meaningless.

Don't know about him succeeding or not but he knows how to make an appearance according to redbullf1spy:

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Schumacher strode into the press conference, sat right in the middle, glaring, arms folded. It’s like Darth Vader's in the building…

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:laugh:

Well, step number 1 in being successful for a Formula 1 driver is to beat your teammate. I believe that in the past MS usually had a clause in his contract stating that, by this measure, the team would ensure his success. Judging by the #3 on his car, it looks like he may have the same deal at Mercedes. If not, then I think he may not be successful. I think that without the team favoring MS over Massa in their last year together, Massa may have beat him. I'd put Massa at about par with Rosberg, and MS will not have gotten any better over the last few years. So it might be close, but think Rosberg will take it.
In terms of results, I predict a couple of podiums, but barring exceptional circumstances, no wins for MS. I think Mercedes might be 4th in the pecking order, behind Ferrari, Mac & Red Bull. They were already behind the development curve in the second half of last season and I don't see that changing. The days of unlimited testing are gone, taking with them one of MS's past advantages, so I think they'll be in the top end of the mid-pack.
One other thing to consider is the neck injury. It is supposed to be 100% right now, but one bump the wrong way and he could be out for a month.

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Originally Posted by Firstgear

One other thing to consider is the neck injury. It is supposed to be 100% right now, but one bump the wrong way and he could be out for a month.

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During the BBC's preview show Brundle mentioned about MS's neck and the way he was turning to look around. Maybe the neck is still an issue, or perhaps MS was being careful.

Success will depend on machinery and considering that Mercedes seems to be slightly behind others at the moment, it looks like it will be a long shot to expect him to participate in the top fight, except a (crazy) wet race. The success of his performance will be measured against his team-mate - if MS is still as good as he was in 2006 for instance, he will probably beat Rosberg. But we will see.

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Originally Posted by I am evil Homer

That's as pointless as asking whether Fangio or Lauda would have beaten Schumacher...they didn't race together but that doesn't diminish what they achieved.

It's like asking if McLaren and RBR had DDD from the start whether Button would have won? It's all ifs and buts. Ultimately it's meaningless.

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My comment was in response to the idea that Schumi is facing the toughest grid since his early years. Since the reputations of all but Alonso were made after Schumi's retirement then I think it's a valid question. If Schumi wipes the floor with the lot of them then their reputations are likely to suffer in the eyes of many. If they wipe the floor with him it will enhance their reputations. It's not fair but nor is it fair that many people claim Schumi only won 7 titles because Senna was killed.

I'm not trying to diminish their achievements in any way.

how many f1 drivers have gone motorbike racing after retiring from f1
most of the good motorbike racers have retired by the age (38)

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Originally Posted by Firstgear

Well, step number 1 in being successful for a Formula 1 driver is to beat your teammate. I believe that in the past MS usually had a clause in his contract stating that, by this measure, the team would ensure his success. Judging by the #3 on his car, it looks like he may have the same deal at Mercedes. If not, then I think he may not be successful. I think that without the team favoring MS over Massa in their last year together, Massa may have beat him. I'd put Massa at about par with Rosberg, and MS will not have gotten any better over the last few years. So it might be close, but think Rosberg will take it.

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Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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Originally Posted by Hawkmoon

My comment was in response to the idea that Schumi is facing the toughest grid since his early years. Since the reputations of all but Alonso were made after Schumi's retirement then I think it's a valid question. If Schumi wipes the floor with the lot of them then their reputations are likely to suffer in the eyes of many. If they wipe the floor with him it will enhance their reputations. It's not fair but nor is it fair that many people claim Schumi only won 7 titles because Senna was killed.

I'm not trying to diminish their achievements in any way.

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100% agree!

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Originally Posted by ioan

Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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As a Rosberg fan I'm eager to see how he copes with the Big Schu across the garage - it could well be the making of him.

Let's not forget, no one thought anything of Massa before '06 and he stepped up and produced the goods. I hope Nico can do the same. :)

I suspect that Schumacher will exactly arrive on the point where he left off (had he still been racing).

I suspect that now although still being competitive, because Formula One requires the utter pinnacle of driving ability and talent, he will have probably dropped off to about fourth or fifth of the world's best drivers by now.

Hamilton, Alonso and Vettel are probably all better than him at this point, and maybe someone else. I honestly think that we could have as many as eight different GP winners this year, and that the fortunes of drivers and cars on the rise and slide is almost too chaotic to call.

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Originally Posted by ioan

Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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Depends which Massa you want Rosberg to compare with. The one who looks erratic and out of his depth or the one who can beat Schumi on his day.

All i will say is in my Personal View, The Sooner his Back in Retirement the Better...

With that said i think it will take afew Races before he really shows Pace, By than it maybe too late to make a Major Title Attack.

People who don't know how to use capital letters properly can hardly be expected to articulate insightful views on things can they?

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Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

People who don't know how to use capital letters properly can hardly be expected to articulate insightful views on things can they?

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I THINK THAT BRIAN BLESSED IS QUITE CAPABLE OF ARTICULATING HIS VIEWS WELL :D

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Originally Posted by ioan

Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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why do you insist on being rude?

I actually think that Nico is a better driver than Massa.
And Schumi will have his hands full. Nico is not one to be quiet about being undermined and he is coming from a situation where he was the clear #1. I think that they are given equal status in so far as each side of the garage will be pretty much working independently with only the necessary collaboration.
Brawn cannot hedge his bets on one driver over the other, so much like how Ferrari managed the Massa/Kimi partnership, Mercedes GP will manage the Nico/MSC team.
I do predict at least one race win for MSC this year. I have a sneaky feeling that the car is better than they are letting on.

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Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

People who don't know how to use capital letters properly can hardly be expected to articulate insightful views on things can they?

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I think he is using a translator so lets not hold that against him. This is not an English classroom but a forum where all opinions are welcome. No matter the grammatical errors.

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Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

Don't know about him succeeding or not but he knows how to make an appearance according to redbullf1spy:

Schumacher strode into the press conference, sat right in the middle, glaring, arms folded. It’s like Darth Vader's in the building

:laugh:

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Let me describe through analogy:
My high level commander in the battle area was Arik Sharon. When he was in the near area the word would quickly spread and even the least consciencous would increase their level of "everything" to its maximum.

Why? We understood only too well that "failure was not an option".

I think people like Schumi have that effect because that is who they are. The Mercedes [Brawn] team will be in a state of ready and action at peak level and Schumi WILL "command" them.

What they saw at the press coference was not Darth Vader - it was an announcement and a warning to all that Schumi is "prepared to die" in the same way that Mansell declared he was in trying to win the British Grand Prix - Nigel Won!!!! :D

Underestimate Schumacher at your peril because he takes no prisoners and gives no quarter.

I think we are about to witness just how tough the new generation of drivers are. A great season lies ahead and the reason is Schumacher :vader:

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Originally Posted by Saint Devote

Let me describe through analogy:
My high level commander in the battle area was Arik Sharon. When he was in the near area the word would quickly spread and even the least consciencous would increase their level of "everything" to its maximum.

Why? We understood only too well that "failure was not an option".

I think people like Schumi have that effect because that is who they are. The Mercedes [Brawn] team will be in a state of ready and action at peak level and Schumi WILL "command" them.

What they saw at the press coference was not Darth Vader - it was an announcement and a warning to all that Schumi is "prepared to die" in the same way that Mansell declared he was in trying to win the British Grand Prix - Nigel Won!!!! :D


Underestimate Schumacher at your peril because he takes no prisoners and gives no quarter.

I think we are about to witness just how tough the new generation of drivers are. A great season lies ahead and the reason is Schumacher :vader:

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I couldn't have said it better myself. I think...no in fact I KNOW Shuey will win races. I am not so sure he will win championships. I am looking forward to what could be the greatest season in F1 history.

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Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

Don't know about him succeeding or not but he knows how to make an appearance according to redbullf1spy:

:laugh:

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He is a Sith Lord you know ;) Maybe they will play the Imperial March for Shummi when he wins since they won't need to play different anthems for the driver and manufacturer.

I think in his today's comeback, he wouldn't ask team to do anything for his favor, the contract might not stipulate this clause either, but rather he's signed by the team by dint of his valued career that may benefit team as entirety, tries to implement the best knowledge of his experience during his drive that already gave him such prolonged victories, and would be pleased that any development, strategies contributed to team produce results. Any driver emerged from the team doesn't seem to matter him. However, if the opportunity comes to him, the car can perform in accordance with his champ intuition, he would give the sport great challenges, imo.

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Originally Posted by ioan

Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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I am also not convinced by Nico yet.

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Originally Posted by ioan

Putting Rosberg on par with Massa is already stretching it too much, the rest is just BS.

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According to Brawn Nico has been about .5 secs faster than Schumi in testing, if you equalise the variables (gas, tyres, testing program), so it´ll be interesting to see. Would be nice to see how MSc handles being slower. And how RB handles it.

Anyway, soon we´ll all be wiser.

Hanaa, Nico!

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Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

During the BBC's preview show Brundle mentioned about MS's neck and the way he was turning to look around. Maybe the neck is still an issue, or perhaps MS was being careful.

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There are some who will argue that, more than a pain in the neck, SchM was a pain in the arse.

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Originally Posted by Dzeidzei

According to Brawn Nico has been about .5 secs faster than Schumi in testing, if you equalise the variables (gas, tyres, testing program), so it´ll be interesting to see. Would be nice to see how MSc handles being slower. And how RB handles it.

Anyway, soon we´ll all be wiser.

Hanaa, Nico!

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Well it seems that the 0.5 secs is correct. Times in the first practise:

8. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP + 0,616 15 laps
10. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP + 1,079 16 laps

Thats 4,5 tenths.