Schumacher looks to put Monaco controversy behind him

Michael Schumacher has called for his Monaco controversy to be left in the past, insisting he will not “beg” for forgiveness from his fellow drivers.

The seven-time world champion was roundly criticised for faking an accident in a bid to sabotage his rivals’ final flying laps in qualifying at Monaco.

Several members of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association want talks with Schumacher to discuss the incident, with his role as director of the safety-driven organisation under threat.

But the 37-year-old is standing firm and refuses to bow to demands for him to issue a full apology for his actions.

“I don’t know what their point is. I am quite happy to talk to them,” he said.

“What happened has happened, whether you agree or do not agree. I feel sorry that it had to happen but certain things simply do happen.

“If some wants me to go down on my knees and beg, that would be rather ridiculous.”

Schumacher has always maintained his innocence, claiming his convenient accident was a genuine error of judgement, and he today insisted too much has been made of the incident.

“I am sorry for all the fuss made out of it because you have to ask yourself whether what happened there deserved that,” he added.

“We don’t change anything if we keep talking about it, it won’t make any difference. I want to concentrate on what is most important.”