I'm an F1 fan. I'm a Ferrari fan. For me, the two have been inextricably linked since I started watching motor racing with my grandfather as a child and I have been an avid viewer ever since.
The dominance of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher in the early years of the decade were pure bliss for me. I wasn't worried that the sport had become elitist, predictable and monopolized by one man. Schumacher won 5 successive titles from 2000 through to 2004 and I cheered every one.
Yet the news that the mighty German would be returning to the track in Valencia in a few weeks was not met with my accustomed joy at all things Schumi and Ferrari. Here's why:
He's not in race shape. Yes he has stayed physically fit since leaving the cockpit in 2006, yes he has three weeks to practice in and out of the car and yes he may well be as mentally strong as any racing driver ever. But we're talking about the physical demands of Formula 1. Just because Schumacher can remember being hurled around in speeds up to 220 mph and 5 G's doesn't mean he is ready to relive it, especially in light of his neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in February. Schumacher was renowned for his fitness and, as we have seen regularly across many sports, returning to a high physical level after years away from full-time training is difficult if not impossible. At 40, Schumacher will be the oldest driver in the race and more than 10 years older than many of his opponents.
He might affect his legacy. The Ferrari's have been off the pace most of the year and have little chance of winning a race (and no chance of winning a Championship). What does Ferrari and Schumi gain from finishing in the middle of the pack in the last 7 races? What if he struggles miserably? What if he gets hurt? He knows what he is getting into and his competitive juices will be flowing as fast as ever but, apart from missing the adrenaline rush and wanting to assist the stricken Felipe Massa and his former employers, what can he achieve?
He could affect team harmony. While he has stayed on with Ferrari as an advisor, his role has not been particularly hands on and he certainly wont have been around Kimi Raikonnen too much. Michael, considered an incredibly diligent and committed driver, was not always considered a tremendous team mate and, albeit Raikonnen could be on his way out at the end of the season, could well upset the camp. It won't be easy for Schumacher to accept second billing to anybody.
Moreover, how does this affect Formula One? The likes of Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel have earned their places on the podium and on the back pages and while the former may not be troubled by the returning Schumacher, the latter will certainly be. The 2009 season was already in danger of being overshadowed by events off the track and may have just reached tipping point. On the plus side, Michael Schumacher's presence will increase interest and viewers world-wide but, irrespective of his results, the spotlight will be on the record-breaking 7-time World Champion. Is that to his benefit and to the benefit of the sport? In my mind, the answer is no.
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