Heidfeld puts the brakes on mourning Schumi’s retirement

NICK HEIDFELD believes it is time for Formula One to stop mourning the retirement of Michael Schumacher.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher brought the curtain down on his remarkable career at the end of last season. Since then, many observers have claimed the sport will not be the same without the former Ferrari star.

Fellow German Nick Heidfeld, however, feels Schumacher should be lauded, not lamented.

“People should be happy with Michael’s achievements, instead of being sad about him leaving and things changing,” said Heidfeld at the launch of the new BMW Sauber F1.07 in Valencia.

“I think it will be the supporters who will miss him, not just in Germany, but around the world.

“I would prefer him to still be around, but at the same time with me in a more competitive car to fight him. That’s because I spent a lot of time last season watching him in my mirrors as he was lapping me.”

Heidfeld will be hoping BMW have given him a competitive car for the new season. All eyes, though, are likely to be on Ferrari and their new line-up of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa.