29/07/2012
NEWS STORY
A slow formation lap in thirty degree heat forced Michael Schumacher to switch his Mercedes off, thereby triggering a disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix.
"During the parade lap the engine temps were very high," Schumacher explained. "I switched off the engine, meaning to start from the pit lane."
Starting from the pit lane the race only got worse for the German. A puncture on the opening lap saw him return to the pits, where he received a drive through penalty for speeding.
Mercedes struggled throughout the weekend, well down on what many expected of the team. Indeed the team has been gradually falling off the pace as the season has worn on, Schumacher however, remains confident the team can turn the performance around.
"The team has been showing performance in quite a few races this year," he said. "We are capable, we just need to get our act together again.
"You have to learn your lesson, improve for where we are and we're working hard on it."
That Schumacher failed to explain his retirement, and that he was eventually wheeled in to the garage before 90% race distance, suggests it was a tactical decision by the team. With nothing on offer in terms of points, retiring his car not only saves engine life but also allows the team to change the gearbox for the next Grand Prix in Belgium.
Check out our Grand Prix gallery, here.