Piero Ferrari: « Michael Schumacher is not a traitor »

Piero Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari who founded the Scuderia empire, does not want to criticize Michael Schumacher for his return to Formula 1 with the Mercedes Grand Prix team. For him, Schumacher is a seven-time champion with Ferrari and not a traitor.

Michael Schumacher entered the empire in 1996 and quickly became the emperor. In 14 years, the German obtained 7 world champion titles and helped Ferrari achieve many victories. Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 after two seasons won by Renault and continued to work with Ferrari. But a few weeks ago, the German changed direction and decided to resume his career as a Formula 1 driver. He will make his return with Mercedes Grand Prix for a three-season contract. Many Ferrari fans then criticized the seven-time champion. Michael Schumacher had to clearly explain his choice on his website, but for Piero Ferrari, Schumacher is not a traitor.

“It’s true, we were a bit disappointed by the news because Michael Schumacher was a symbol for Ferrari,” he comments to the Gazetta dello Sport. “But I don’t want to hear such expressions [Traitor] even if obviously we would have preferred him to stay with us. He wanted to drive and with us it was impossible without a third car…”

Piero Ferrari will defend his team next year but is certain to see Schumacher at the forefront: « He will be competitive even if it will depend a lot on the car. » Ferrari does not think at all that the German’s age will hinder his performance: « Another very good driver, Mario Andretti, raced in F1 until he was over 50. Schumacher is a phenomenon like one that comes only every ten years… »

The Italian supports this sentiment thanks to the advice his father gave him before he died: « My father always told me not to get attached to my drivers. That’s why Schumacher’s departure is not a catastrophe for the Ferrari group. »

Focusing on his F1 team, Piero Ferrari admits he has no complaints about his driver line-up even if Schumacher leaves the Prancing Horse: « We have with Alonso and Massa two of the best drivers! I am convinced that if we manage to build a good car – since the 2009 one was not very efficient – we will have great rewards. In other words, if we lose races in 2010, it won’t be the drivers’ fault! »