> DC regrets lack of Schu apology

David Coulthard believes Michael Schumacher’s failure to apologise for his on-track misdemeanours has put “two black marks” against his name in the collective memory of Formula 1 fans.

Schumacher’s towering genius has always been recognised, but respect for his achievements has always been tempered by criticism of his ruthlessness in wheel-to-wheel combat.

While Coulthard paid tribute to Schumacher’s skills – and his work to improve safety through the Grand Prix Drivers Association – he said the seven-time champion’s lack of remorse over some of his actions would always taint his reputation.

“At Monza I told a journalist, on the record, that I think Michael is a great champion but there will always be a question mark over some of the things he’s done,” the Scot said in an interview with F1 Racing magazine.

“But that was me, as an F1 fan, making an observation – not me, as a fellow F1 driver, launching a Jacques Villeneuve-style attack on Michael.

“But the headlines that my Monza remark spawned – ‘Coulthard backs Alonso’s attack on Schumi’ and the like – were simply inaccurate.

“I have great respect for Michael’s on-track achievements, just as I have great appreciation for the way he and I have been able to work together, off-track, within the GPDA, for the good of the sport.

“That said, there’s no question that it must be very difficult for the public to understand some of the things Michael has done on track, and to forgive him for not apologising for having done them.

“And that’s two black marks, isn’t it?

“The first for what he’s done, and the second for not saying sorry for doing it.

“And a sorry would be nice.

“Or perhaps he genuinely believes he’s never done anything wrong, which is even more worrying.”