Silly Season: Now I’ve Heard It All!
Written by George Katinger · August 23, 2005
There was a buzz running through the Turkish GP paddock that Michael Schumacher (not Ralf, but Michael) would be joining McLaren in 2007, at the behest of engine partner Mercedes. Riiight! And Nigel Mansell is coming back to Williams for one more glorious attempt at another title!! Who needs you Jenson, after all!
f1action.com: Schumacher looking to quit Ferrari for McLaren
f1racing.net: Rumour: Schumacher to McLaren?
news.bbc.co.uk: Mercedes cool on Schumacher link
One thing I learned years ago was not to believe everything I read in print, let alone on the internet. But the prospect is intriguing isn’t it? The once and greatest F1 champion ever driving for McLaren in 2007. Kimi sliding over to Ferrari in 2007 after winning his first championship in 2006? Juan and Michael as teammates? The possibilities boggle the mind!
There can be no doubt that Ron Dennis would love to have Michael Schumacher in silver and black prior to his retirement, and little doubt that Norbert Haug and Mercedes covet the same idea. But are you going to toss aside a newly crowned world champion (big assumption on my part!) in 2006 in Kimi Raikkonen for a fading Michael Schumacher?
As enticing as the idea sounds to Ron and Norbert, they should both be brought behind the garage and quietly put down for even thinking about the idea. Even if Kimi decides the women of Italy would be a larger challenge than he currently faces and moves to Maranello, there would have to be better alternatives for McLaren besides Michael.
I’ll think on it some and get back to you!
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Silly season indeed! Mind you I could see Ferrari trying to snatch Kimi for the post MS era.It could end up being another battle of the cheque books.MS & Senna both(at different times & teams)managed to negotiate mega retainers.I wonder how much Toyota would stump up for a world champion in a few years?
If it came down to a battle of bucks I suspect it would be between the titans of teutonic pride, Mercedes and BMW. The Toyota angle is also viable as they are based in Cologne, and it could go three ways. The advertising and marketing windfall would be priceless, even if he didn’t win a title. Those opportunities are once in a generation and that’s a bidding war I’d like to see!
Silly? No THIS is silly.
Rumor has it that Sir Sterling Moss will be coming out of retirement to pilot the new V8 Mercedes next year.
Moss said “I own Ferrari a butt kicking after they dis’d me in 1954.”
He obviously plans on reprising his ‘55 season at Mercedes, but unfortunatly it will be a one car team as Sir Sterlings ‘55 teammate, Fangio, is long since gone to pitroad heaven.
Despite previous reports Ron Dennis denys all rumors he will attempt to resurrect Fangio to comple the ‘55 team.
Now that’s SILLY, and has about as much chance to happen as Schumie in a Merc in ‘06.
The irony is that the three pointed star put him through their sportscar programme & even held options to aquire his services when he signed with TWR/Bennetton in 91.A little known fact, McLaren tried to out money Ferrari in 95 for Schueys services on a 96 contract.
One of the things that most people seem to forget is that Michael is probably the best car development driver that has existed in a long time. Now does Merc need this? Probably not. But Toyota could use some help. The real threat would be if Audi decided that their control over LeMans is no longer a challenge and they decide to throw their towel into the F1 arena. Now that would be a challange that might make Schumi smile. Also remember MS has gone on record as saying that he wants to win 10 World Championships. That doesn’t mean that Ferrari will get them all.
How about this for a super team.
Audi, MS, and Dave Richards running the program. Kinda makes me drool.
wow, 10 world championships? i can only dream of that. but yeah, ms is the best car developer out there. other drivers, they just drive.
Audi are the only manufacturer of note & size that are not in F1.Unfortunately for us the V.W Group have stated publically that they have no F1 ambitions at current costs.This is a major downer because they have suceeded in every catergory they have competed in rally,touring cars,Le Mans.I would love to see them in F1, I fear that with nothing left to achieve in sportscars, they will choose to promote their all wheel drive technology road cars by going back to their rallying roots & give F1 a miss.A great pity, Williams or Prodrive would be the perfect launching pad.