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Hill hails 'extraordinary' Schumacher
ESPNF1 Staff
January 20, 2012
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Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher clashed many times during Hill's career © Sutton Images
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Damon Hill has described Michael Schumacher as "an extraordinary performer" but says that he can't take his drive at Mercedes for granted.
Hill and Schumacher enjoyed a close rivalry in the mid-nineties as Schumacher won two titles for Benetton before Hill's championship in 1996. Hill retired in 1999 just before Schumacher's period of domination with Ferrari, and he told the Press Association that he was impressed with the commitment shown by the seven-time world champion but that he'll have to maintain it if he wants to remain in the sport.
"It's unbelievable he's still going, whilst I've been retired for 12 years," Hill said. "He's an extraordinary performer who clearly loves his driving and doesn't want to stop. I can understand that. But Formula One cannot carry people along if they are not doing their bit. He's going to have to fight with everything he's got to keep going for another year, or beyond this one."
Hill also admitted that he doubts Schumacher can match the pace he used to display, and said that it wasn't helping people judge his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
"Your career will depend on how you compare. So in a sense Nico would do better to have some comparison with a more contemporary driver because people are not sure of the pace Michael now has."
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Comments: 7
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ESPN Staff
As can be seen above schumi. Still has pace in his silver arrows whereas Damon is strggling to keep up with the pace of his hair turning silver. Schumi drive to fourth was epic in 2011!
Posted byI think people should appreciate that Schumi has delivered great results in 2011. I cannot even think how people can compare him with Rosberg. Come on guys, just wait and see. If he gets the right car, he will be unbeatable. When he came out of beneton and Joined Ferrari..he was the same. People thought he is done, But he won five title, 2006 was the greatest drive of all time. it is almost a 8th title. He not only claimed his 5 title, More importantly he bought Ferrari dominating. So never underestimate his talents. After all this years, people should know who he is.
Posted byyes, nik lauda, and other want the people to have the presence felt therefore they want to make comments. yes, if he has the car then things can be different. i hope he improves on last years performance with few podium at least
Posted bythats why Michael is an inspiration to everyone. Name me a physical sport like F1 where a 43 Year old competes with 20 odd year olds? Michael Schumacher= Simply the Best!
Posted byA lot of people seem to be judging Schumachers return a little harshly and I think Damon is one of them. Lets try and look at things with some perspective: Yes Schumacher took a while to get up to speed, yes hes scored less than his team mate and yes hes had trouble in qualifying. But in 2011 hes clearly had the better results. Nico Rosbergs best results in 2011 were 2 fifth places at the start of the season. Schumacher had 4 fifth places and a fourth. To put that in perspective Massas best result all season in the Ferrari was fifth. I would also disagree strongly that Schumachers drive is under threat, Mercedes and Brawn would be insane to even think of letting him go. If you are scrapping Schumacher cos hes somehow perceived to be "past it" then Rosberg clearly has to go too.
Posted byIt is funny how Hill has a comment about everything. Having been out of business for 12 years he sure nows it all....
Posted byThe biggest mistake of people are they feel Michael doesn't have the pace......Give him the car of Mclaren and Red Bull and then let me see the comments of Niki Lauda and Damon Hill. Why do people forget that he is 7 time World champion and 5 in a row....I am waiting to see a team and driver to have that Stats and break Michael's and ferrari's record of domination.Its clearly seen that Mercedes is more than a second slower than that of Mclaren and Red bull.Still people want to comment on the PACE of Michael.Watch 2012 you will see what this man is going to repeat again.