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Schumacher accepts ruling, apologizes

Michael Schumacher apologized to former teammate Rubens Barrichello for the way he drove during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion said Monday he had no intention of endangering the Williams driver and that he was “sorry” if Barrichello had that impression.

“Yesterday, directly after the race, I was still in the heat of the moment, but after seeing the scene against Rubens again I have to say the stewards were right with their assessment: the maneuver was too hard,” Schumacher said on his website. “Of course, I wanted to make it difficult for him to overtake me. However, I indicated quite clearly that I wouldn’t let him pass me from inside, but logically I never meant to endanger him with my maneuver. If he has that impression, then sorry, that was not my intention.”

Schumacher was penalized 10 places on the grid for the next Formula One race, the Belgian Grand Prix on Aug. 29.

The Mercedes driver, in his first season back racing following a three-year retirement, was ruled to have “illegitimately impeded” Barrichello.

Schumacher appeared to try to force Barrichello in the direction of a concrete wall at Hungaroring circuit as they fought for 10^th place, the last point-scoring position.

Barrichello’s car was forced onto the pit lane exit and he was heard saying “that was horrible” on Williams’ team radio and called for Schumacher to be shown the black flag, which orders a driver to return to the pit and usually means his exclusion from the race.

Immediately after the race, Schumacher was less than contrite and his team claimed he had failed to see Barrichello’s car gaining on him.

“Regarding the overtaking maneuver with Rubens, I indicated pretty early that I would move toward the inside and not simply give up the line, and there was just enough space for him to pass me without touching each other,” Schumacher said. “It was a hard fight and this is what we are here for, but I accept that the FIA stewards saw it as too hard.”

Mercedes boss Ross Brawn said they accepted the penalty but did not necessarily agree with the stewards’ decision.

“It’s been a tough weekend but we will go away, lick our wounds and come back stronger at the next few races,” Brawn said.

Schumacher’s return to F1 has been far from satisfying. The German is a distant ninth in the drivers’ standings and is yet to finish on the podium. His best finish was coming fourth at Barcelona and Istanbul.

AP