Has Ralf Gone Mad?

[EERO]

C'mon, guys, cut the insinuations that Ralfie's hitting the schnapps.

It says, "Veltins" right on the side of the car. As a media savvy modern F1 driver, if Ralfie's drinking anything, he's at least displaying sponsor loyalty.

[Liz]

I wonder what TGF thinks of that statement by his bro? Perhaps he will tell him the German version of "Children should be seen and not heard - and if possible they should not be seen--at least in their Big Brother's side mirrors"?

[Liz]

Read on AutoSport website tonight:

"Ralf attacks Barrichello


Ferrari number two should help Michael, claims Schuey Jr


Ralf Schumacher has spoken out against Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello for not helping elder sibling Michael to win the championship.

"Rubens should stop trying to beat my brother and putting pressure on himself," said the Williams driver.

Schumacher junior said Barrichello should "concentrate instead on helping Michael win the championship".

Barrichello refuted these claims, saying "He's just upset because I beat him to third place."

The Brazilian overtook both Schumachers as they were battling for third place in the Spanish Grand Prix. Barrichello is Ralf Schumacher's chief rival for fourth in the drivers' points at present, with the Brazilian one point ahead."

Is Ralf helping or hurting TGF with his comments? What do you think?

[Sparky]

I think this is just a Schumacher family trait.

He's trying to out-psyche a potential rival.

Of course Rubens should drive for himself. What if another 'Silverstone '99' happened? RB would be 'The Man'. He needs to establish himself as as equal to MS as possible, in order to achieve team support. He's already seen as a team player - to wit Ross Brawns statement last week about Irvine. Perhaps Michael is unsettled by this. This is his fourth year (At $20m per year) and still no WDC. Michael must see a replacement in training.

Perhaps Michael persauded Ralf (How, after Spain, I don't know!) to knock Rubens down a few pegs.

What else has Ralf to gain?

[Dannyboy]

I think the two brothers are both certifiably insane. Though Ralf has kept his nose clean for most of his career. Now both of them are making random unintelligible remarks.

Liz did you see that Jacques is doing a biopic on his dad. What do you think of this. It seems strange doen't it. Sorry for taking you off topic. I just haven't heard anyone mention it.

[This message has been edited by Dannyboy (edited 18 May 2000).]

[Liz]

Danny, haven't seen anything about it. Where'd you see that? I want to know more!

But back on topic, I think Ralf should lay off the schnapps. When he sobers up he will wonder who was using his mouth when those words came out.

[Nuvolari]

Blut, as they say, is thicker than wasser. He's young, he's Michael's brother and, as Liz suggests, he's hitting the schnapps.

[slicktoast]

Note that Ralf said "helping my brother..." I took that as a jab at Michael(since that's who he's ticked at) as though he couldn't win it on his own driving. Why should he (Ralf) be mad at Rubens? He (Rubens) didn't 'move' him out of the way.

[KC]

There is a curious dynamic going on here. Apparently Michael was upset at Ralf for blocking him at Beckett's during the start of the British GP this year after Ralf blew by him on the start. Then Michael, in what looked like a chance to assist his teammate through and past the Williams, does not understand why Ralf should be angry at him for "moving him over" at Catalunya. I realize that there is a massive amount of competition going on between these two and Ralf will always be compared to his more successful brother. Will there be more feuding on the track? Ralf seems capable of qualifying near the front of the grid in a consistent manner and this could result in the two of them racing each other more often.

[Ace]

I think this was aimed as big bro more than to Rubinho. Ralf has to make a name for himself, and as TGF showed the world, you don't need to be the fastest in the track to be considered the best, you only need to be a good media subject.

[F1FansClub]

Ralf is just wanting to get attention. He also, as some people said, wants to outpsyhce Rubinho. I think that Ralf is starting to follow his brothers footsteps in becoming a bit arrogant! I'm not being harsh or anything but I just think that, that is what is happening!

Ally.

[DNF]

It's a well known fact the all both Ralf + his big bro have been mad before they even enter the prestigious world of F1.

[Green_man4421]

Hype = ego = problem = schumacher!!!!!!