Formula One fans seem to have lost interest in Michael Schumacher and favour Sebastian Vettel, Schumacher’s former manager said in an interview published on Thursday.
However, the ex-manager Willi Weber also warned against writing off record world champion Schumacher, who is struggling in his comeback season from a three-year hiatus.
Replaced by former spokeswoman Sabine Kehm as manager, Weber is still responsible for Schumacher’s merchandising and told Bild daily that sales are from those of the past.
“Sales are not how I expected them to be. There is a certain Schumi-tiredness. The people are saying: my god, where is he driving? You only know him as a winner,” Weber told Bild .
“In the past the tribunes were full of Ferrari caps. Now I can count the silver caps with one hand.” Schumacher won five of his world titles with Ferrari and came out of retirement for Mercedes GP this season on a three-year contract.
The 41-year-old has had a modest season so far with just 10 points from four races.
Weber said that the Red Bull driver Vettel has filled the void as German top driver.
“Wherever I look, Vettel is the new Schumi, he is the number one in the TV ads and on the billboards. Michael has left a void and Sebastian has grown into it, because he has the success and Michael doesn’t have it yet,” Weber said.
Weber expects an undisputed victory from Vettel at the next race on Sunday in Spain but is also convinced that Schumacher will rebound in the end and win again, even if it takes until next year.
“I suffer with Michael when I see how he was passed down the ranks in China. But he will work until everything fits. If all goes well he will get a race win this season. But don’t write Michael off. It may take a little longer, but he will came back,” said Weber.
