> Schumacher couldnt work with Ron Dennis

Michael Schumacher has revealed that he never drove for McLaren Mercedes in Formula 1 because he had “different ideas” about how a team should operate compared with its boss Ron Dennis.

The German spent all but the first grand prix of his 248-race career driving for Benetton and Ferrari – despite being supported by and racing for Mercedes on his way through the motorsport ranks.

However although the retired legend admits he did have talks about a possible move to the team prior to his switch to Ferrari in 1996, he says the McLaren factor ensured a much-expected move to reunite with the German carmaker never materialised.

“There were several conversations and meetings with McLaren-Mercedes, for example 1995 in Monte Carlo,” he said in an interview with German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung’s magazine.

“But I noticed that we didn’t really fit together.

“I didn’t fit to McLaren or to be honest to McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

“It seemed to work out with Mercedes I am sure we would have found a way.

“Ron Dennis and I had different ideas how a Formula 1 team should work.”

However the German insists the reason the move didn’t happen was not because he demanded exclusive number one status at the team.

Despite dominating all of his team-mates throughout his 16 seasons in the sport, Schumacher says he never asked for a preferential status at any point in his career - insisting his superior pace was the reason for the support he received.

“I never demanded it, neither contractually nor verbally not during my whole career,” he said.

“This is how I see it: At the beginning of the season both drivers get the same material, are equal in every way.

“It soon emerges thought that one driver is quicker than the other and the team has to support him.

“Not in every situation [is quicker], sometimes chance also plays a role in this – but if the second driver only wants to win a grand prix because of his ego, while the first one is trying to win a world championship, I would regard that as silly.

“Because the goal always has to be to be first at the end of the season.

“Formula 1 is no children’s birthday party.”

I cant imagine Schumi being with McLaren. I think he found the PERFECT team in Ferrari. He wouldnt have done so well in any other team.