MAY 13, 2001
Schumacher writes off Hakkinen's title chances
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER has written off the title hopes of two-time champion Mika Hakkinen after the Finnish driver was left on the grid at the A1-Ring.
Hakkinen is now 34 points behind McLaren team-mate David Coulthard and Schumacher suggested that Austrian Grand Prix winner Coulthard was now his main threat.
Schumacher said: "In this race it was already clear what will be the future because Mika hasn't finished a race. David is in a good position for the championship and you have to think a little bit ahead."
Schumacher also conceded that he would face the wrath of team-mate Rubens Barrichello after the Brazilian was forced to settle for third place under Ferrari team orders.
He added: "You know usually after such events there is a little row in a room coming up, but by the next race people tend to forget this. Remember what happened in Melbourne with McLaren, it is not like Ferrari is doing something completely different to anyone else. I think it is part of the sport.
"Imagine at the end of the season I have missed the championship by two points, yes, it is sport to win it like this as well. I think it is a different philosophy Ferrari has on that against McLaren and I think you simply have to accept the different philosophies -- you don't have to like it but that is the way it is.
"There are some people who don't like it and you're free to have a different opinion but accept our opinion as well. Wait until the next races and you will see what McLaren will do."