Ralf Schumacher, the brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has jumped to the 41-year-olds defence after the Mercedes driver came in for criticism for his move on Rubens Barrichello.
In the closing stages of the Hungarian GP, Barrichello made a move up the right of Schumacher. He then proceeded to push the Brazilian closer and closer to the pit wall.
The Williams driver narrowly avoided a collision, but only because the pit wall ended.
Schumacher then blamed Barrichello for choosing the wrong side, which drew further criticism from fans and the media. Ralf believes the furore surrounding the event was unfair, giving that he later apologised.
“I think it is completely inappropriate when Michael is depicted as some kind of robot with no feelings. This isn’t Michael,” Ralf told Germany’s Auto Bild.
“He slept on his move and said sorry, out of conviction because he realised he made a mistake. They should believe him and accept it.
“It certainly has a lot to do with Michael’s past. He is the most successful driver in history and people are always critical, especially now with his comeback which isn’t going too well,” added Ralf.
“Previously he was criticised for being too straight and cool, now he is more relaxed it is interpreted as a lack of ambition. This is the wrong interpretation.”
Schumacher was handed a 10-place grid penalty for the next round in Belgium which takes place in little under three weeks.
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