Ralf is a wimp, says Irvine.

Outspoken ex-F1 driver Eddie Irvine has launched a scathing attack on Williams' Ralf Schumacher, the Irishman claiming the German will never challenge his brother if it comes down to a head-to-head.

Irvine, who drove in Formula One from 1993 to 2002, said that the Canadian GP was further proof that the younger Schumacher will never go at hammers and tongs, when his rival is his elder brother.

"Ralf will always wimp out when it comes to standing up to big brother Michael," Irvine told British newspaper, The Sun. "It's all very well Schuey Jnr saying he settled for second place in Montreal because there was no spot where he could pass Michael - but I don't buy it.

"As long as both are in Formula One, fans will never witness the little Schu putting the boot into the big Schu.

"Think about it. Ralf owes everything to Michael because if it hadn't been for the superstar status the Ferrari driver commands, he would have struggled to make it into the sport as quickly as he did.

"BMW Williams ace Ralf feels obliged to Michael - so how can he risk a do-or-die move which would jeopardise his brother's bid for a record sixth world crown?"

"The Canadian Grand Prix was not the first time Ralf has chickened out of trying to pass Michael before being all smiles on the podium," added Irv. "If they are in the same position at this weekend's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, don't expect heroics from Schuey Jnr. For there is no way he would want to risk the wrath of Michael's home fans."

The Irishman continued: "It's a pity Schuey Jnr's BMW Williams pal Juan Pablo Montoya wasn't up Michael's exhaust in Montreal. Because the Colombian wouldn't have sat there - he would have had a go, even if it ended in tears."