Youth trumps experience – that seems to be the reality as F1 team Mercedes show Michael Schumacher the door and Lewis Hamilton signs up.

Schumacher, lest we forget, is a seven-time world champion, a man who ruled the track and was the sport’s poster boy – one of its all time greats. Since he returned from retirement in 2010, though, he has been a shadow of his former self.

Partly, he hasn’t had the car to compete at the very top level – technological superiority plays such an important role in this sport, more so than others, where podium finishes are as much to do with the chassis under the hood as the man at the controls.

But questions have been asked about Schumacher’s personal role in results and, especially, in particular recent races.

At last week’s Singapore Grand Prix, Schumacher, for the third year in a row at this track, spiralled out of the race in a collision.

This time it was a rear end crash with Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne, an incident in which the fault seemed to be the driver’s.

Schumacher explained the collision as a result of the car failing to decelerate the way he had wanted, but Formula 1 supremo Eddie Jordan had other thoughts: “These things shouldn’t be happening in the way they are, he [Schumacher] will have to reflect and ask, are all these car problems or could any of them be his?”

Schumacher later admitted the error was his and received a 10-place penalty for the forthcoming Japan leg of the season.

Ageing is unavoidable, but Schumacher seems to be getting sloppy with his advancing years; the 43-year-old German’s extensive experience is now outweighed by a lack of judgement.

Mercedes have signed up McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton for next season alongside 27-year-old Nico Rosberg, with Schumacher ‘asked’ to make way. Former glory is quickly outshadowed by current form.

Sport can be cruel to the ageing. For Schumacher, though, while sporting history will be kind, it’s time now to hang up the driving gloves for good.

Is Schumacher past his use-by date? letters@tntmagazine.com

Terry Tried One Time Too Many

John Terry is a twat – just my opinion, but I’d hazard a guess and say I’m not alone in thinking this.

So imagine the bind I find myself in when having to give my sympathies to the man who has, essentially, been tried for the same crime twice, with different findings.

He allegedly shagged his best mate’s bird, was accused of offering tours of Chelsea’s Cobham training ground for cash, and has generally brought the England captaincy into disrepute.

After being charged for racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, he was cleared in court in July – so how could he face the same charges at a Football Association hearing, and then get found guilty, and then, adding insult to injury, be banned for four games and fined £220,000?

Is the FA above the law? Does it operate to different rules to the rest of us?

Terry may not be the most reliable bloke, but he, and his lawyers, have a fair case to make.

 

Photo: Getty