Just one point for Mercedes; Schumy retires

David Bodapati July 30, 2012

496 1 minute read

A tough day for Mercedes saw Michael Schumacher retire and Nico Rosberg grab a solitary point.

Schumy at Hungary Sun29July2012 FIA pic — Michael Schumacher at Hungary on Sunday 29 July 2012

Mercedes struggled in qualifying and could manage no better than 13th for Rosberg, with Schumacher down in 17th. Things would get worse for the seven-times World Champion and four times Hungarian Grand Prix winner when he had to cut his engine on the grid and be wheeled back into the pitlane. As the rest of the grid did another formation lap and finally got underway, Schumacher started from the pitlane – and was promptly given a drive-through penalty for speeding. He caught up with a backmarkers eventually and made some gains, despite having a car that wasn’t fully functional, but ultimately had to retire.

“Today was obviously one of those races that you will not look back at for very long,” said a wry Schumacher afterwards. “Our engine temperatures were very high before the start, and when the yellow lights came on, I switched the engine off. After I had started from the pit lane, I picked up a penalty and then a puncture. So all in all, the beginning of the race was not very pleasant for us. Everything you do not need came together.

“We did not have full telemetry before the start and during the period of overheating, and this is why we finally decided to retire so as not risk any damage which might make us suffer in the next race. Now we can now check the car properly before the break and prior to Spa. This weekend is not one to remember, but then there are weekends like this which you can only accept.”

Rosberg had a more successful Sunday, rising from his grid position to take tenth place early in the race and then hang onto it to take the final point.

“We’ve had a difficult weekend here in Budapest, and just haven’t been quick enough,” he reflected. “In the race today, I had a good start and was able to gain three positions by the end, so I got the most out of it. Being happy with one point is not an ideal situation though. We need to find out why we are off the pace at the moment.”