Schumi regrets Villeneuve crash

2006-12-07 14:36

Berlin - Michael Schumacher, Germany's retired seven-time Formula One champion, admits he regrets the controversial manoeuvre he used on Canadian Jacques Villeneuve to try and win the 1997 world championship.

"That was something I would do different today," Schumacher told television broadcaster RTL.

"I am not someone who can analyse something immediately after it happens or admit things. In certain situations I need time to think about it and realise what a mess I made."

Schumacher needed to beat Villeneuve at the Spanish Grand Prix to win the title and was in front of his rival on lap 48, but Villeneuve was pushing hard and when he tried to pass Schumacher, the German turned sharply putting his front tire into the side of his opponent's car.

But Schumacher came off worse as his Ferrari bounced off the Williams and Villeneuve finished third to take the championship by three points.

It was not the first time Schumacher had caused a storm with his win-at-all-costs attitude as Great Britain's Damon Hill discovered in 1994 when Schumacher collided into his car at the Australian Grand Prix. Both drivers were forced to retire handing Schumacher the driver's title.

Schumacher, 37, insists the enormous pressure he put himself under was the cause of such controversial actions.

"This pressure I constantly put myself under is something that goes around in my head whatever is going on," Schumacher declared. "I do not have this feeling anymore and that is what has changed for me. I am a lot more relaxed now."

The pressure helped Schumacher win a record seven Formula One crowns with 91 wins from his 250 races.

The German retired at the end of this season, finishing second behind Fernando Alonso in the championship race, and recently released his autobiography.

- AFP