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Mercedes F1’s Former VP Claims Michael Schumacher Was a Merciless Opponent

Published 11/25/2020, 9:30 AM EST

Michael Schumacher had a Formula 1 career that spanned over a period of two decades. In those years, he drove for Jordon, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes before retiring in 2012. He peaked his career driving for Ferrari from 1996 to 2006.

Schumacher won seven championship titles in Formula 1 history. Norbert Haug, who worked with both Hamilton and Schumacher at Mercedes, talked about the two champions in an exclusive interview with Sport 1.

Haug stated that when Schumacher recorded the most championship titles, he was sure it would remain for ages. He further stated that ever since Lewis started collecting titles, he realized Hamilton will eventually break the record.

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He also pointed out the similarities between the two champions, stating they both demand themselves more than anyone else, and have aspects that make them very special.

Haug also talked about Schumacher as a rival and claimed that he was “merciless.” He said, “If you want an opponent, it’s not Michael Schumacher. If you want a driver, that’s his name.”

Haug views on the Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton debate

Ever since the F1 community realized that Lewis Hamilton would, one day, break Schumacher’s “unbreakable” record, debates on who is the greatest of all time began. Haug stated, “Anyone who is serious will not be able to give you an accurate answer.”

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Michael Schumacher dominated driving for Ferrari and collecting five consecutive championships with the team. On the other hand, Hamilton has clinched six championships with Mercedes in six years. However, it is very difficult to pick a name as the greatest ever. The era, the cars, and the grid were completely different.

Haug stated, “In 2020 there will certainly be a completely different amount of data than in 2004. But also the increased possibility of getting lost in the data jungle.”

Mercedes and Hamilton have dominated the hybrid era. Mercedes broke Ferrari’s record of six consecutive wins at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Hamilton broke Schumacher’s record of most wins and also equaled his record of most championship wins.

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David Coulthard and Norbert Haug have both stated that there is a very good chance Hamilton will go on to win a few more championships. Hamilton is likely to come back to the 2021 grid with Mercedes and will hope to break Schumacher’s record.

David Coulthard Has a Message for People Still Doubting Lewis Hamilton’s Greatness Compared to Michael Schumacher

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Written by:

Ayush Manjunath is a Formula 1 author for EssentiallySports with more than 500 articles to his name. A Law graduate and a current Sports Management student, Ayush also has a certificate from UCLA on Sports, Media and Entertainment Management. He has an undying love for motorsports and lives to see Max Verstappen, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris battle for the championship one day!

Mercedes F1’s Former VP Claims Michael Schumacher Was a Merciless Opponent

Haug views on the Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton debate

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