His frustration is palpable whenever Michael Schumacher talks about his disappointing Formula One comeback. The German’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport has fallen a long way short of expectations as there have been no podium finishes since he rejoined the grid after a three-year break in 2010.
For a driver who during his first innings tore up all the record books with seven world championship crowns, 91 victories and 154 podiums, finding himself routinely outpaced by young teammate is rubbing salts into the wound.
Schumacher, however, believes his day will come again. “The key is being patient. Mercedes engineers have been working hard to improve the car. It doesn’t happen overnight. I think winning races is very important for all of us. All of us involved in teams know the taste of winning championships and that is what we are here for. We are building the future of Mercedes and we want to take fruits of that sooner rather than later,” said the 42-year-old.
Schumacher’s podium drought, could, well end at the weekend’s Indian GP as the Mercedes driver said his team are strong contenders at the Buddh International Circuit, which is expected to be one of fastest tracks in F1. Schumacher’s confidence stems from the fact that Mercedes have improved their straight-line speed over the season.
“I think this track suits us more than others and therefore we might have a chance to go further than being seventh and eighth. Qualifying can be difficult but on Sunday it will surely help us," said Schumacher.
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who has been with Schumacher since his Ferrari days, said the German star’s hunger for success hasn’t diminished. “I accept the fact the team haven’t achieved anything big in the past one and a half years. We have been continuing to strengthen our team which is important in F1 given the intense competition nowadays. Michael is being optimistic and that gives the team a motivation to work harder,” said Brawn.
Schumacher is confident that Indian GP will help motorsport grow in the world' second most populous country. “It’s fantastic to see the buzz here. From what I have been seeing since yesterday, I don’t see any reason the GP of India will be a success. It’s important for Formula One to be in India given the booming economy,” added Schumacher.