“Michael Never Supported Me”: 11 Years after Schumacher Picked $1,000,000 Fine, Ex Teammate Dishonors the Bond

The modern-day Formula 1 has no resemblance to the initial years of the sport. In fact, the sport does not resemble itself from a couple of decades ago, such is the fast-moving nature of it. However, throughout the entirety of the sport, the spirit of competitiveness, especially toward one’s teammate, has not changed. We have seen many instances of the same and sometimes, even if it’s not evident on the surface, there is still an internal battle between teammates. Ex-Ferrari teammate of Michael Schumacher proved that with his recent eye-opening revelation.

The German seven-time champion was a legend in all aspects of the sport. As is the case with most teammates of a champion, his then-Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello was no exception. Despite his show of respect during the 2002 Austrian GP, which earned them a million-dollar fine, Barrichello exposed his relationship with Schumacher. The Brazilian made a shocking admission while speaking to Formula Passion.

“I’ve always made friends and I’ve always had a good relationship with all my teammates, but Michael has never supported me. He’s never been there to offer help, and I’ve never asked for it,” he said. “With Michael it was different, many times we ended a meeting and then another one just started with him. In the end, I understood that the team was only his.”

Read More: Despite Being in the Shadow, Michael Schumacher’s Loyal Wingman Rubens Barrichello Showered With Praise for a Glorious Career

Schumacher was the undisputed king of Ferrari which is why the Brazilian could never overtake him. Although, according to Barrichello, he was never allowed to even if he wanted to. This is where the Brazilian’s resentment might stem from, even with Schumacher’s act of kindness toward him. The same acts of kindness that earned them a million-dollar fine. Let us job your memories.

Michael Schumacher earned Ferrari and Rubens Barrichello a million-dollar fine in an act of solidarity

We have seen on multiple occasions how championship-winning teams always prefer one driver over the other. During his time at Ferrari, Schumacher was always the preference, and this was highlighted during the 2002 Austrian GP. The boss Jean Todt ordered race leader Barrichello to hold back and let his teammate pass.

The then-Ferrari boss made this call to ensure Schumacher does not lose out on the driver’s championship. However, Schumacher wasn’t a fan of this race win and did not appreciate taking away what could’ve been his teammate’s second win of the season.

So the German champion showcased his act of solidarity during the podium celebrations. He pushed Barrichello to the top step of the podium while he stood on the 2nd berth. He did the same with the trophies as well, while he celebrated his win with his teammate.

The governing body of the sport did not appreciate the sanctity of the podium celebration hampered with. The FIA levied a million-dollar fine for the team without any disqualification and points deduction.

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However, this podium celebration swap wasn’t enough for the Brazilian, as his aforementioned statements showcased. Let’s just hope he can come to peace with this scenario and celebrate his career, even if it did not live up to his expectations.