18 replies to this topic

[Jhope]

According to the ANSA news agency, former Italian president Francesco Cossiga lambasted new Formula One drivers' champion Michael Schumacher just 24 hours after the German won Italian stable Ferrari's first world drivers' title for 21 years.

Cossiga did not mince his words as he took issue with Schumacher's behaviour on the podium after clinching the world title by triumphing in the Japanese Grand Prix. The German driver traditionally imitates the conductor of an orchestra when the Italian anthem is played. In Formula One victory ceremonies the national anthem of the winning driver is played first, in this case the German one, and then the anthem of the winning team, this time Italian.

"I know what I am saying goes against popular opinion, but to me Schumacher's victory means nothing. I expect at the end it is the glorious Ferrari team and not an insolent overpaid little Bavarian boy that has won the world title," Cossiga said. "It annoyed me that a boy we paid with our country's money behaves like a good German when he is listening to 'Deutschland Uber Alles' and watches the German flag with rigid attention like a German army soldier. Then he plays the fool and not for the first time when the Italian national anthem is played and they hoist the tricolor (Italian flag)."

Cossiga's reference to the German national anthem is outdated as the words Deutschland Uber Alles are no longer used, the anthem is in fact known as Deutschland Lied (Germany Song).His remarks go against the vast majority of sentiment in Italy where Schumacher, who said he felt 'a little Italian' after his victory, is being feted as the man who ended 21 years without a world drivers crown for the famous Italian stable.

wanna run for re-election sir?

[The RedBaron]

I wouldn't worry about it, it's just one old fascist trying to get himself some publicity.

[kika]

He' s not BAvarian either, I believe he comes from the Nordrhein Westfalen region which is more up north close to Belgium I believe, working class area. Silly comments really u sure they' re authentic?

Cheers

[Zoe]

I couldn't help it but smile when I read that this guy thinks Schumacher is from Bavaria

And I always thought that his salary is being paid for in the end by Marlboro (good Italian money? - not).

At least this guy gets quoted in the media, I guess that's all he was after in the first place.

Zoe

[colejk]

What a D I C K!

There's always a bad apple in the bunch. Not indicative of the majority of Italians I know. Great people.

Besides the German anthem is not that fun, but hey that Italian one kinda makes you wanna dance ;)

Also, like the way he says' "his country's money"? yeah ok,
How many Ferraris are sold in Germany? in the U.S.? Japan? etc..

[mel]

Duplicate thread.

[DB]

Michael has done that "conducting" bit every time he's won this year. I don't believe he is trying to be disrespectful at all. He's interacting with his team and revelling in their joy.

Perhaps El Presidente would rather be languishing in second or third (or worse..) place for another season - which is where they would be without the "little Bavarian".

D.

[The RedBaron]

Well it isn't like the Italian anthem is solemn, it's more
joyful etc...I like it alot, and we get to hear often too!;)

[Ross Stonefeld]

Like I said in the other thread (hi mel!) I've never been keen on Schumacher's performance during the Italian anthem. Just a personal preference I guess. I couldnt help but notice, and admire, the way King Juan Carlos of Spain snapped to attention when the British anthem started to play during the pre-race at Silverstone.

Ross Stonefeld
Aztec International

[MichiganF1]

Hilarious.

[Bruce]

I agree with il presidente inasmuch as I think that MS's "conducting" on the podium appears to be a little disrespectful of the Italian anthem - especially in view of the fact that he has no such reaction to the German anthem. But I hardly think it is a major issue.

It does look silly when he does it though.

[The RedBaron]

British Anthem is about the dullest thing you could listen to, everytime I hear it, I cringe!

[Jhope]

ever hear Oh Canada? i'm a canuck myself, but i fall asleep when i here it.

[AlesiGOD]

Hakkinen also likes to play conductor remember Jeltsin?

[Damop]

I love the Italian anthem - how could one not dance to it? It sounds very jovial and upbeat, rather than the dull, somber hymns of most nations. I don't blame MS at all for gettin' down during the Italian anthem!

[Didem]

After every win Ferrari Team under the balcony dances during the Italian Anthem, that's why Schumacher waves his hands like a orchestra chief.I didn't ever heard that whining man's name.

[Williams]

I am sure that if you looked down at the pitlane during the Italian anthem, you wouldn't find many Italian Ferrari mechanics standing at rigid attention ! Michael was following them along in spirit, not being disprectful.

[polaris]

perhaps at the next time MS is in that position he could be asked about it by the interviewer at the post race interview

[FerrariFanInTexas]

I agree with Williams and Didem. The Ferrari team members are always dancing and singing with great enthusiasm during the National Anthem. Heck, one race earlier this season (Monza?) they were picking each other up and holding each other up in the air. I also recall that when that Italian swimmer won a gold at the Olympics the Italian fans in the audience were belting the song out, waving their arms and generally exhibiting some of the brio that exemplifies Italy.

I suppose it might be better if Schumi stood at rigid attention for both songs, but given the antics of his teammates, I think he and they bond a bit when he joins them in the fun.

It's not like Schumacher is posing and drawing attention to himself like those idiot American 4x100 runners at the Olympics this year.

Avanti Ferrari!