Ecclestone - 'sad' to see 'superman' Schumacher struggle

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted it is "sad" to see F1 great Michael Schumacher battling for minor points at grands prix.

The F1 chief executive was a great supporter of 42-year-old Schumacher's return to the sport last year, but he has now told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the seven time world champion as well as Mercedes can do more.

Bernie Ecclestone

Photo by: xpb.cc

"Michael is a true superman so it's sad to see him have to fight for such low places," Ecclestone said.

"He is still a competitive guy and when he has so much experience, he should lead Mercedes more in the right direction.

"(And) Mercedes should build a car more to Schumacher's driving style," Finland's Turun Sanomat quotes 80-year-old Ecclestone as adding.

Schumacher told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that his biggest problem at present is qualifying.

"You're right, the race always looks better for me than qualifying," said the seven time world champion.

"There are many reasons that would be very complicated to explain, also some technical problems, but Nico (Rosberg) is really one of the best qualifiers in the field, his performance is really impressive," he added.

Schumacher denied that another problem is his new relaxed attitude, which has surprised some observers of the German's first career that spanned a record 91 wins.

He said the fact he is often smiling after a difficult qualifying session is "just a snapshot, with nothing to do with the whole".

"It doesn't mean I am not disappointed with setbacks and failures and it doesn't stop me continuing to work for our goal.

"I am firmly convinced that Mercedes will be once again a victory and world championship contender," said Schumacher.