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[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Mercedes hired Schumi specifically for his name cachet. He was to be the crowning glory on their triumphal return to F1. They were banking that having his name attached to their firm would increase their prestige and, hence, their car sales. Now, eleven races into the season, Schumi has not had a single podium result, he lies ninth in driver standings and has scored just one-fourth as many WDC points as the current leader. Especially since his junior teammate -- who also is German -- is three positions ahead in the WDC with more than 2x as many points (and for just one-third as much salary), can Mercedes possibly believe they are receiving £20m in annual benefit from the services of one M. Schumacher?

And if his problem is his advanced years, that condition only will worsen in the coming seasons. Each year that Mercedes keep him on the roster is another season they fall behind in the development of his younger, faster replacement. Firing him likely would be seen by the German nation (and the Mercedes tifosi) as the ultimate act of disloyalty and disrespect to their greatest champion so I expect they will replace him in the cockpit -- probably next season -- and move him to some executive position over their racing operations with an exalted title and duties mostly involving photo opportunities and A-list celebrities.

Each year he suffers through another mediocre season is another layer of tarnish applied to his reputation. He needs be made redundant while his fans still remember him for the dominant driver he was, and not like some punch-drunk old prizefighter who kissed the canvas once too often.

[What's Burning?]

Co team principal with Brawn perhaps. They certainly give him a way out that saves face. He's got till mid next year I would think.

[texasmr2]

Each year he suffers through another mediocre season is another layer of tarnish applied to his reputation. He needs be made redundant while his fans still remember him for the dominant driver he was, and not like some punch-drunk old prizefighter who kissed the canvas once too often.

Why does everyone worry so much about him tarnishing his reputation? If Michael is not worried about his established reputation why do yall?

[f1ea]

I give Schumacher one more yr. If he can't cope with it... bye bye.

But i will say it like a million times: he shouldn't have retired; which more or less means he shouldn't have come back.

[scotty]

The correct answer to this question is: Nico Rosberg

Incorrect! This is by far the most logical, and you have to say informed, 'answer' so far:

Jenson Button has accepted a portion of the blame for Michael Schumacher's testing return to Formula One this season.

Schumacher's Mercedes car is based on the Brawn GP 2010 car, designed to accommodate the world champion's preference for understeer.

Button's switch to McLaren, however, meant that Schumacher had to adapt to a car with characteristics not entirely to the seven-time world champion's liking.

"Michael likes a very pointy car," Button told Germany's Sport Bild. "But the Mercedes understeers pretty strongly. I was always happy with it that way."

Despite the German's struggles this season, Button does not think that people should write Schumacher off until his performance in the 2011 car can be seen.

"He will have more influence on the development of the next car. This year [the 2010 car] was quite late for him -- the fundamental characteristics were in place long before his signature."

[What's Burning?]

He should be able to get in that car and out qualify Nico then.

[darwin dali]

And has done so under TREMENDOUS media scrutiny and pressure put on him since the beginning of the season!

Especially since one of his fellow drivers voted him "the most beautiful woman in F1" in a Bild am Sonntag poll. Along with all the other pressures, now Nico also was to worry about who of his fellow drivers is the butt pirate.

In that poll, the current drivers also voted LH the nastiest/meanest driver - he seems to have a PR problem in the paddock.

[racechick]

And has done so under TREMENDOUS media scrutiny and pressure put on him since the beginning of the season!

Especially since one of his fellow drivers voted him "the most beautiful woman in F1" in a Bild am Sonntag poll. Along with all the other pressures, now Nico also was to worry about who of his fellow drivers is the butt pirate.

In that poll, the current drivers also voted LH the nastiest/meanest driver - he seems to have a PR problem in the paddock.

Im sure it keeps him awake at night

[What's Burning?]

My German is horrible so I can't comment, but the Nico/girl thing is hilarious. Now what kind of poll asks who the meanest driver is? If I understood correctly it was only open to other F1 personnel or drivers?

[What's Burning?]

And has done so under TREMENDOUS media scrutiny and pressure put on him since the beginning of the season!

Especially since one of his fellow drivers voted him "the most beautiful woman in F1" in a Bild am Sonntag poll. Along with all the other pressures, now Nico also was to worry about who of his fellow drivers is the butt pirate.

In that poll, the current drivers also voted LH the nastiest/meanest driver - he seems to have a PR problem in the paddock.

Im sure it keeps him awake at night

We know what keeps him awake at night and she often jumps in slow motion.

[darwin dali]

My German is horrible so I can't comment, but the Nico/girl thing is hilarious. Now what kind of poll asks who the meanest driver is? If I understood correctly it was only open to other F1 personnel or drivers?

Just 20 out of 24 drivers participated in the poll - Renault and Williams politely declined.

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Each year he suffers through another mediocre season is another layer of tarnish applied to his reputation. He needs be made redundant while his fans still remember him for the dominant driver he was, and not like some punch-drunk old prizefighter who kissed the canvas once too often.

Why does everyone worry so much about him tarnishing his reputation? If Michael is not worried about his established reputation why do yall?

Maybe Michael has been dain bramaged by too many shunts and too much exhaust fumes. At least one (2x) WDC agrees with my sentiment:

Hakkinen: Schumacher is 'dismantling his own legacy'

[texasmr2]

And to that I say who gives a flying turd about Mika's opinion? Dismantling his legacy, what a f'ing joke

[PrancingBull1339]

I was never a fan of Michael... He made me switch off from F1 for a number of years.

But I give him credit due to the fact he stuck this season out. I predicted him to walk halfway through the season with a returning "neck injury". But he kept racing in a poor car, that yes, could cloud his history.

BUT....

If the 2011 Mercedes GP lives up to the hype, and just imagine if he won the title. That would only add to the legend. So i'm gonna wait till 2011 to judge him. But I do feel he knows how good this car will be as that is what kept him racing this season.

[texasmr2]

If the 2011 Mercedes GP lives up to the hype, and just imagine if he won the title. That would only add to the legend. So i'm gonna wait till 2011 to judge him. But I do feel he knows how good this car will be as that is what kept him racing this season.

Aswell why not have fun and enjoy himself and rideout his 3yr contract . Welcome to the forum by the way .