Schumacher of old returns at Monza

Friday, 23 September 2011 11:30

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw another predictable result with a further win for Sebastian Vettel, taking him one step closer to an almost certain second world championship.

The true excitement of the race lay in the fascinating battle between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. We have not had that many glimpses of the “old Michael” but an impressive drive to 5th in the Belgian Grand Prix and a jaw dropping drive at Monza has changed all that.

The two drivers tussled for twenty-one heart stopping laps after a dozy Hamilton was slow off the restart, which allowed Schumacher, who had had an incredible start, making up four places, to swoop past. Michael’s defensive tactics split pundits and fans alike. Both David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan believed that Michael had overstepped the mark and breached the one defensive move rule while Martin Brundle stated that he thought that Michael had just managed to stay in line.

There were two main incidents that provoked this reaction, the first being on lap 16, when Schumacher forced Hamilton onto the grass after he optimistically tried to duck up the inside of Curva Grande. Schumacher justifiably refused Hamilton the space. The second incident occurred four laps later, where Michael appeared to change his line twice. A confused Hamilton was then heard on his team radio saying “I thought you were only allowed one move”, but in this instance, Michael had defended with one move and a continuation onto his racing line.

Article 20.2 of sporting regulations states: "Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as more than one change of direction to defend a position, deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted."The one move rule to defend a position does not include moving back onto the racing line, which is what Schumacher did. Is this a bit cheeky? Yes, but it isn’t breaking the rules.

We witnessed the Schumacher of old at Monza, a man who has won there five times. We also witnessed a more tentative Hamilton, more concerned about finishing the race in one piece than attempting a possibly dangerous move on Schumacher. Button had no such qualms, or issues, in passing either Schumacher or Hamilton, moving past them both on the same lap.

Taking into account his unhappiness over the radio at Schumacher’s tactics, we may have expected a defensive and robust Hamilton in post-race interviews. However, that is not what we got. A subdued reaction of “That’s racing” was his only reaction.

Michael has always pushed the boundaries of sporting etiquette, a trait that has won him seven world championships and a legion of fans worldwide, but also many detractors and critics. Some of his more dubious actions are often remembered more strongly than his incredible ones. He may push the grounds of accepted behaviour, but that is what makes him such a fascinating driver to watch. By Jessica Murphy

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