Hollow victory for Schumacher

14 April 2012

Michael Schumacher said it was "sad" that a mass boycott turned yesterday's American Grand Prix in Indianapolis into a farce.

The world champion scored his first win of the season but his celebrations were drowned out by jeers and cat-calls on the podium after safety concerns saw 14 drivers pull into the pits before the race even started.

Schumacher was nevertheless delighted to claim 10 points and move closer to world championship leader Fernando Alonso after winning from Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

He said: "My feelings are mixed. It was very strange to see everyone going into the pits.

"Nevertheless, after that Rubens and myself had a race going. We had a very good car to fight for the victory. We were strong in free practice, always pretty happy on fuel and the tyre and car looked reasonable.

"So it is sad, particularly for all the supporters, that we were not able to fight for victory under normal circumstances.

"America has always been a special Grand Prix for us. This time it was a unique race but there was nothing we could have done."

Williams driver Nick Heidfeld says seven Formula One team bosses were right to pull out of the race, claiming the farce was preferable to a serious accident.

Ralf Schumacher crashed on the banked final turn at Indianapolis on Friday because of a puncture and Michelin advised their teams not to race unless changes were made to the corner.

Proposals to introduce a chicane were vetoed by world governing body the FIA and seven teams decided their cars were not safe to race.

Heidfeld claims that brave decision was the right one. He said: "We would have liked to drive but if Michelin tell us it's not safe, we have to follow their instructions. It was clearly their decision. From a driver's side of things, we could do nothing."

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