Williams' warning for Ralf Schumacher
Frank Williams today warned Ralf Schumacher against seeing through on his threat to run team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya off the track.
Schumacher yesterday voiced his disapproval of Montoya’s move early in the Australian Grand Prix which forced the German to concede space to ensure both Williams cars remained in the race.
But he warned Montoya, who would never be described as his closest friend, that next time he would not be so accommodating.
“The only thing I have to say is that it was a pretty strong move (from Juan-Pablo) and next time I will have him off the track,” he stated.
“Someone brakes into a corner with the intention of either crashing into somebody or assuming he gives space, then that is the wrong move. I did not want to put our positions into danger.”
Unlike Ferrari, Williams openly encourage their drivers to compete on the track but the team’s principle today publicly warned the pair about keeping their rivalry in check.
“Words are easy, especially in the heat of the moment,” said Williams.
“Under racing conditions they are free to race, they are free to compete and they are free to bump wheels if it is the only way to get by.
“What they are not allowed to do is push their team-mates off. That is the divide.”
Williams indicated he had had words with the pair, though he admitted keeping them under control this season would a difficult task.
Montoya is off to McLaren next year and Schumacher – who is yet to agree a new deal – has been linked heavily with moves to either Renault or Toyota.
“All team managers keep an eye on their drivers,” assured Williams.
“It is difficult and it will be difficult. Off the track there will be trouble and it is the team manager’s job to handle it and keep it away from the racing.
“If you control your drivers and they don’t race each other, you get a lashing in the press, if you let them race and bang wheels and take a risk you get criticism.”
Before Schumacher’s comments yesterday, Montoya said Williams had laughed off the situation, which occurred as he dived inside the German attempting to claim sixth place.
Today, the 28-year-old dismissed Schumacher’s comments.
“I think he was just a bit too excited. I think the reporter asked the right question and wound Ralf up, that was all,” said Montoya, one of the most highly-strung drivers on the circuit.
“He just went over the roof.”
