Hill says Schumacher not good for F1

[Wizzo]

Damon Hill, claims his former rival Michael Schumacher has had a negative impact on Formula One.

Hill, told BBC Radio Four: "To be frank, I have to say that brilliant driver though he is, he's not been good for the sport." He acknowledged that Schumacher has "done some amazing things." However Hill claimed that Schumacher's success has made the sport less appealing to spectators.

Hill added: "He is a very tough competitor but I have to say that from time to time the entertainment value seems to have waned slightly with Michael's dominance. "I'm looking forward to Formula One without Michael and hopefully some real competition again."

Hill was famously involved in a collision with Schumacher at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, in Adelaide. Neither driver could finish the race, meaning Schumacher pipped Hill to the world title.

He considers Schumacher a favourite for this year's world title. "I have to say that psychologically Michael is bullet-proof," said Hill. "Alonso has made some remarks recently about not having the support of the team.

"There has been a little bit of kerfuffle about whether the Renault team are giving him full support. "So Alonso pours his heart out to a journalist and it looks like he's feeling the pressure now."

[Ian]

 How can Damon say less interesting, the guy has come back from a crap start to the season, 25 pts behind, given no chance in China, yet he wins it and is poised to win his 8th, could even be done on Sunday. I hardly think that is boring but then we are talking about Damon are'nt we 

[seenathkumar]

This season was not so good for shumi but cant say about his efforts he can show it at any time.   

[Canada Darrell™]

Huh? Dude, you are digging up some really old-old-old posts here!

[Ian]

Yeh, had me stumped there for a bit too Darrell.

[Jericoke]

It is interesting to look back at posts from the archives.

I think the number of German drivers and teams in F1 (not to mention Austrian) would speak well to the impact of Michael Schumacher.

If I was Bernie, I'd be pulling for Petrov or Kubica to win the championship to spread interest in the sport further afield; after Schumacher, Villeneuve and Alonso all increased the interest in F1 in their native lands.

[lkjohnson1950]

If I was anyone with means in F1, I would be starting a Chinese driver development program, soon.

Lonny

[cosworth151]

If I was Bernie, I'd be pulling for Petrov or Kubica to win the championship to spread interest in the sport further afield; after Schumacher, Villeneuve and Alonso all increased the interest in F1 in their native lands.

If that were a consideration, then he should be pushing Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti. 

There's a major problem when a sport ties itself to one super popular athlete. What happens when they're gone?

Golf ratings plummet when Tiger doesn't play. Basketball has never recovered from Jordan's retirement. Interest in boxing has never gotten close to the popularity it had while Ali was fighting.

[Jericoke]

If I was Bernie, I'd be pulling for Petrov or Kubica to win the championship to spread interest in the sport further afield; after Schumacher, Villeneuve and Alonso all increased the interest in F1 in their native lands.

If that were a consideration, then he should be pushing Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti. 

There's a major problem when a sport ties itself to one super popular athlete. What happens when they're gone?

Golf ratings plummet when Tiger doesn't play. Basketball has never recovered from Jordan's retirement. Interest in boxing has never gotten close to the popularity it had while Ali was fighting.

The key is succession... and I think that's why Bernie is keen to see Vettel win ahead of the greybeards like Webber or Button.  Vettel has 10 good years ahead of him...

HOWEVER, if Ferrari leaves F1, the sport is toast.

[John S]

The key is succession... and I think that's why Bernie is keen to see Vettel win ahead of the greybeards like Webber or Button.  Vettel has 10 good years ahead of him...

HOWEVER, if Ferrari leaves F1, the sport is toast.

I agree with the succesion bit Jeri, I'm sure Bernie is rooting for Seb. However longer term it may be better if Vettel misses out this year, it will keep Red Bull focused on trying to get the title for him and keep their money in the sport longer.

Not so sure over the Ferrari remark though, I think with the reach around the globe of F1 now even the loss of the prancing horse would have much less of an effect.