Ex-F1 driver takes swipe at team boss: 'I couldn’t work with a man like that'

Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has taken aim at former Team Principal Ron Dennis, insisting that he “couldn't work with a man like that”.

Dennis was at the helm of McLaren's F1 operations for several decades before parting ways with the company in 2017.

Schumacher, a brother of seven-time World Champion Michael, made his F1 debut in 1997 with Jordan, spending two years at the squad before switching to Williams.

The German driver reunited with his former boss Eddie Jordan on the Formula For Success podcast recently to discuss F1 matters.

When asked if Jordan was the worst team boss he ever had, Schumacher replied: “No, that’s not true. First of all, [you] gave me the opportunity.

“And it could have been worse: I could have ended up with Ron Dennis, so I’m completely happy that that didn’t happen, I have to say. I think I couldn’t work with a man like that, so I’m happy.

“For Eddie, it was his business, his baby, and I’m sure it wasn’t always easy.

“And I remember that time we made proper motor racing: 16 to 18 times a year, amazing cars, sounds, look, we had a nice track, we had nice catering – not as big as today, but always fancy and for 10 per cent of the money. Recently not, but before the budget cap.”

1998 Belgian GP 'part of growing up'

Schumacher was part of Jordan's famous double-podium at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, when Damon Hill secured the team's first-ever race win.

The German was informed over team radio not to attack Hill for position in order to protect the result.

Although it caused friction at the time, Schumacher asserted that he holds no grudge over the decision-making.

“Sure, I was disappointed as a young driver that I wasn’t allowed to win, that it happened as it happened, because it was great at Jordan.

“1998 was a difficult year, we had a sh*tty car, but 1999 was much better. 1997 was a great car.

“So no regrets, it’s all fine. It’s part of history, part of growing up.”