Missing nut stops Schumacher

Michael Schumacher admits it was a 'shame' to have to retire from the Malaysian GP - but adds it is just 'part of the game' and he is now 'looking ahead' to China.

Robert Wilkins_1

04 Apr 2010

Saturday Practice, Michael Schumacher (GER), Mercedes GP F1 Team, MGP W01
© PHOTO 4

Record breaking multiple F1 world champion Michael Schumacher has said there is 'no point' getting angry after a mechanical issue put him out of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Schumacher, who started the third round on the F1 2010 schedule from eighth, was up to sixth, when a wheel nut came off one of the rear wheels on his Mercedes GP W01 and he was forced to retire on lap 10.

It capped off another rather mediocre weekend for the German, who since opting to comeback this year, after 'retiring' at the end of 2006, has failed to really deliver - at least by his very high standards.

"It was a shame that I could not finish the race but unfortunately the wheel nut on the left rear wheel was lost. The car suddenly became very unstable in turn six and I could hardly steer and had no drive left," Schumacher explained. "I initially thought it was something to do with the suspension but after I stopped and had a look, it was evident that was a wheel nut missing.

"It is something very unusual to happen and in testing we never had problems so we have to look it. I would have obviously wanted to finish the race and I think it could have worked out quite reasonably well. But in the end that is motor racing, I remember that very well. It makes no sense to get angry about it, you have to accept it as part of the game and look ahead. At least Nico [Rosberg - my team-mate] scored our first podium finish and I am happy for him and the team."

Mercedes GP team principal, Ross Brawn meanwhile has promised that the Brackley-based outfit will investigate the issue, while Norbert Haug apologised to the 41-year-old for the failure.

"Michael was in a good position after the start and we were looking forward to having a good race on his side but unfortunately it wasn't to be," Brawn stated. "The car lost a wheel nut which is a problem that we haven't experienced before. The wheel nuts are double-checked on the grid so we will investigate and put in place the necessary solutions."

"Sorry for Michael who had a great start and was positioned sixth when a wheel nut came loose which stopped his race," Haug added. "We will work hard now and concentrate to make sure that our car will be fully reliable in the future and get quicker step by step."