Martin Brundle and Jacques Laffite have backed Michael Schumacher after the seven-time world champion has come under fire for his lack of competitive pace.
He has been beaten by his teammate Nico Rosberg, in all four of the opening races of the season. Although, he has encountered some minor reliability issues.
Laffite, a former F1 driver is in Hockenheim to compete in the VW Scirocco Cup this weekend, said: “I’m not worried, the car just does not fit his driving style.”
The Frenchman is confident Schumacher will be on the pace in Barcelona where Mercedes will introduce a longer wheelbase car to combat some weight distribution problems.
“It has been seen on the track as he is struggling with understeer. I think in Barcelona it will be better.”
Martin Brundle, who is also competing in the Scirocco Cup told Auto und Motorsport that Schumacher needs more time.
“I believe in his abilities. I think he needs more time. If I had seen the same result in September, then I would have worried.”
“It is also difficult because there is no testing,” added Brundle. “I have seen the old magic flash of Schumacher once or twice in testing.”