Schumacher begins retirement but will he be missed ?

By Tom Merton Oct 23, 2006, 11:12 GMT

German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Scuderia Ferrari F1 team in action during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at the racetrack in Interlagos near Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday 22 October 2006. EPA/Ralf Hirschberger

Hamburg - Michael Schumacher may have been compared with compatriot Franz Beckenbauer by German Chancellor Angela Merkel following his retirement from Formula One but one thing is certain, the Ferrari driver will never be as globally popular as the 'Kaiser.'

Schumacher is expected to lead a quiet life with his family after retiring from F1 on Sunday, just missing out on the drivers' title to Renault's Fernando Alonso.

The 37-year old finishes with more titles and race wins than any other driver but his behaviour on the track casts a shadow over these achievements.

He may have redefined the sport by winning an unprecedented seven world titles, 91 races and 68 pole positions in 250 GP races but former rival Damon Hill is one of many who believes Schumacher leaves a tainted legacy.

'I believe Michael has taken a slightly cynical approach to the sport which has been bad for it, and bad for us watching it,' Hill told the BBC.

'I feel a little bit as if he has been taking things for granted a little bit. Those uncomfortable experiences like Austria [in 2002, when Ferrari ordered team-mate Rubens Barrichello to hand victory to Schumacher on the last lap], we don't want those sort of things happening.'

Hill isn't alone. Jacques Villeneuve also feels the German doesn't deserve to go into the pantheon as the greatest F1 driver of all time.

'Michael is simply not a great champion because he has played too many dirty tricks and isn't a great person,' insists Villeneuve, who Schumacher tried to shunt off the track in 1997 in order to secure the title. His parking incident at this year's Monaco qualifying also won him no friends.

Some still hold a grudge against Schumacher for celebrating on the podium in Imola in 1994 after winning the San Marino Grand Prix in which Ayrton Senna died.

However, others believe the sport owes Schumacher a debt for virtually single-handedly saving the sport following Senna's death by taking over the Brazilian's throne with some brilliant driving.

'There are the Michael supporters - and there always will be - and there are those who have an uneasiness about it, which is a shame because I really think with that much talent it could have been different,' said Hill

'It is not just about winning the most.'

But even Schumacher's biggest detractors admit his great driving talent, which was displayed once again in his final race at the Brazilian GP when he fought his way back up to fourth place after dropping to last with a puncture.

As Merkel said, he used his talent and his German virtues - hard- work and a tireless will to succeed - to get to the top.

,'And even for those outsiders who don't well understand Formula One, you enriched the sport with your brilliance,' she said.