Formula 1: Schumacher’s brain fade in Hungary

 
There was a time when Michael Schumacher could do no wrong. His dominance on track led to comparisons being made with possibly the best F1 driver of all time, Ayrton Senna. He (Schumacher) rewrote the record books, he was worshipped by the Tifosi, and he amassed substantial fortune and fame, paralyzing his competitors, as his bright red Ferrari paved the way to the top step of the podium. 
When he felt he did it all, Schumacher tucked away the gloves and helmet and retired at the end of the 2006 season. But, the competitive spirit at times is worse than crack cocaine and unfortunately, it’s only cure may involve having more!

So in he dived, re-entering the fray, to drink his fill of the beverage he couldn’t exist without (F1). His awakening, however, was rather rude. Here is one for the Understatement Hall of Fame – Schumacher has been having somewhat of a difficulty making his way to victory lane.

He has found points hard to come by and for the seven times World Champion, that scenario is unacceptable. Essentially, this and other factors, may assist those who do not understand Schumacher, to account for his obvious brain fade on lap 66 of the Grand Prix in Hungary. On lap 66 Barrichello attempted to overtake Schumacher. Schumacher moved over and forced Barrichello to complete the move a hair’s distance from the wall! 

Race fans and Schumi-haters worldwide went to town re the move. Everything negative in the book was thrown at him and honestly, I found it rather amusing. Please note, I agree that what Schumi did was unsportsmanlike and inappropriate, but, I understand the brother (even though he is not black). 

Champion

Do you know what separates a champion from an average driver? I will give you a clue – Give nothing and take everything! Contrary to the thinking of contemporary sociologists, this approach is not learnt behaviour. This is a human reduced to his animalistic tendencies. It is inherent, call it instincts. Very few have it, it defies logic, but when properly aligned, it assists in creating invincibility in one’s field and when left unchecked it may produce what we saw on lap66.

That invincibility accounts for the victories, but for now, as he battles in an uncompetitive and unfamiliar race car, his innate attributes may continue to cost him. Ten grid positions now (the penalty applied for the Hungary blunder) and possibly, x dollars later.
 If you have been around F1 long enough, think about these 2 events and you may see what I am getting at (the action comes long before a rational thought process):

1. Schumi turning into Villeneuve (Jerez,1997).
2. Schumi blocking the road at Monaco (2006) to impede Alonso’s qualifying attempt.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer