Lauda believes in Schumacher

Niki Lauda was not mistaken. During the weekend of the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Felipe Massa was in hospital following his accident in qualifying, the three-time world champion spoke out in favor of the return of Michael Schumacher en Formula 1. " Who else is available? There is no one available who comes close to Michael's performance. I thought about it and I don't see anyone else. » The facts proved him right since, four days later, Michael Schumacher's start for the European Grand Prix was made official.

Himself the author of a comeback after a first departure from the paddocks, Niki Lauda achieved his goal by winning a third world championship title in 1984, distancing himself from Alain Prost by half a point. The Austrian is therefore best placed to comment on the return of Michael Schumacher during the European Grand Prix. For Niki Lauda, ​​this return is obvious, as the German has “ probably regretted his decision » to retire from the Formula 1 paddocks at the end of the 2006 season. The three-time world champion believes that Michael Schumacher never managed to “ detox from the running bug. This hunger for competition, the adrenaline rush, never dies. It's in our genes »

Regarding the age of the driver, Niki Lauda is not worried. If the Austrian returned to Formula 1 at 31, while Michael Schumacher is 40, this factor does not seem decisive to him, as the German will be able to get back up to speed. “ He will be in good shape, he will undergo rigorous training and he will be mentally ready to take on the challenge. He will do everything to be in great shape in Valencia. This is why the whole world will watch this carefully. » As for whether Michael Schumacher will be able to follow his example - win a new world champion title - Niki Lauda is not thinking about it. “I came back because I was hungry for victory. For Michael, there is nothing more than an interesting experience. »