Michael Schumacher will race with a new Mercedes chassis at the next Formula One race in Barcelona.
The seven-time Formula One champion has been lacklustre in the first four races of this season and Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug admitted Schumacher is struggling with the handling of his car.
“Don't worry - Michael has not forgotten how to drive,” said Haug. “I think we need to replace his chassis for Barcelona.”
Schumacher finished 10th in the Chinese Grand Prix yesterday and struggled with wet conditions he mastered so often in his days at Ferrari and Benetton.
“As you imagine, there were some good emotions but there were unfortunately too many bad emotions," said Schumacher.
"Actually at the beginning I thought we were quite clever when some others changed for intermediates but it turned out to be the wrong decision [for them].
"But, quite honestly, I think all weekend didn't work out for myself. I think you have to compliment the English team [McLaren] and say congratulations to them - done a great job,” he told the BBC.
Schumacher was more than a minute behind his team mate Nico Rosberg, who finished third.
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Re: Schu to get new Merc chassis
If he was seconds of the pace, then I'd agree with this. The fact he's only been about 7/10ths off Rosberg, would indicate it's the set-up of the car and driver preference, not the driver alone. Although you can argue that if he was a more adaptable driver, the set-up doesn't matter, but as set-up is everything, that's the wrong way to look at it.
If the argument about great drivers not needing a car or team built around them was true, then Senna (aged 34) wouldn't have struggled with the 1994 Williams (whilst Damon was ok), Mansell would have won more championships (than the one he won aged 39) and Alonso would not have needed help from his team mate to win in the Renault. Not to mention Button wouldn't have wallowed for years in various teams. Car and environment are as important as driving talent.
Re: Schu to get new Merc chassis
He could return to fishing.
Re: Schu to get new Merc chassis