Auto Racing

This Formula 1 season we have grown accustomed to ridiculous rumors initiated by the Spanish press. The latest, perhaps most ridiculous rumor of them all has been initiated by the German press, though. They say Michael Schumacher will be next year's Lewis Hamilton companion!!!!

The fact tha Schumi is German plus had ties with Mercedes in his early career, in the late 80's, early 90's, is the only part of the story that would make any sense. Nothing else in the story is rational, though.

Michael Schumacher is a very intelligent man. In the last two years of his career he did struggle to keep pace with Fernando Alonso. He was still fast, capable of winning races and challenging for the championship, but Alonso definitely had the upper hand and came out on top both years. That same Alonso moved to McLaren and had trouble keeping up with rookie Hamilton. Schumi would not jeopardize his image by driving in the same team as the man that beat the man that beat him!!! It is a simple as that. He would rather leave that an unanswered question.

On the other side of the equation, McLaren could probably be world champion, today, if Fernando Alonso were not in the team in 2007. Or if Alonso was paired with a weaker driver. The last thing McLaren needs now is to pair another strong driver of Schumi's level against Hamilton. Ron Dennis would be indeed a very silly man, if he did this, and would likely anger Hamilton's management (his dad), who feels Lewis has to be number 1 in the team.

Michael Schumacher would not come back to F-1 without being ensured number 1 status at his new team. Something McLaren will not do.

Add to that the expense of hiring Michael, a consideration for a team that still needs to pay a reported 30 mm fine, and I think the German press has picked up on the wrong Schumacher! I would not be surprised if the weaker Ralf were retained by McLaren, though.