F1 – Why Would Ferrari Release Michael?

michaelAs much as I hate to say it, I think the Michael Schumacher deal may be done. I know the sources stating the news are about as creditable as the National Enquirer. There is just so much steam behind the “rumor” and all of the press reporting has finally turned me into believing this is finally a reality. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo helped the rumor along today stating he would release the 7 times champion if he requested.

The question then comes to mind why? Granted we know that Schumacher is involved in primarily the road car side of the house at Ferrari, but why would you let one of the greatest drivers ever out of your corner? In my humble opinion it is a simple reason and a really stupid one.

It is of my belief that the key reason why Schumacher would be released if he requested, is Ferrari wants to prove to the world that they (the team) don’t need Michael to be successful. Think about it, aside from doing nothing with the company and being thrown under the bus by the Ferrari brass, Michael Schumacher is a waste of resources. He is the ace in the sleeve that almost came to bear after the horrible accident suffered by Felipe Massa and that is really it. The team has suffered since the “chosen one” left the cockpit and a shell of the ultra successful team that once existed with all of the critics pointing to Michael’s absence as the reason for the downfall. So now the champion is thinking it is time to return to his kingdom and race for an opposing team. Finally the pieces are in place for Luca to show the world that he did not need Michael and does not need Schumi to succeed and even take a step further and beat him on the track. This would not have happened had it not been for the arrival of Fernando Alonso. The man who some say put Schumacher into retirement. Fernando is the key ingredient in this recipe and the world knows it. If Fernando does succeed in knocking off Michael again, then Luca will look and smile as he says I told you so. Why do you think Ferrari would release him? I could be way off base on this topic, but I would love to hear your thoughts on why a storied team would let a secret weapon slide into the hands of the enemy?

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2 Thoughts to “F1 – Why Would Ferrari Release Michael?

  1. That’s a bit of a gamble, don’t you think? Letting Michael go with the anticipation and hope that he will fail at another team, doesn’t seem like the best way to promote one’s own brand. If he does crash and burn, Ferrari’s image isn’t improved significantly, but if he succeeds, Ferrari’s image is significantly harmed. Doesn’t seem like a smart bet if that’s all there is to the deal. I’m wondering if it isn’t more of a saving face type of deal. Ferrari might not have been able to retain Michael’s services and rather than getting wrapped up in a big legal squabble about it, they decided to make the best of a bad situation.

  2. gamble is Luca’s middle name….see the kicking of Michael for Kimi. There is only one way for this to work if Michael fails, and that is Ferrari succeed. Ferrari are looking to show that they don’t need Michael to win like they were once capable. The Kimi title was a fluke and they did not deserve the 08 crown if they had gotten it. Whatever face they are trying to save was crushed when they used him for a PR scapegoat every time they screwed up. Why let him go to turn around and get beat by a rival brand though. You think they would pick a Kimi style approach and tell him they would let him go if he did not drive for a rival team.

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