James Vowles reveals heartfelt regret from Mercedes era with Michael Schumacher

Vowles, who played a pivotal role in Mercedes' success from 2014 to 2021, reflects on the period when the team faced challenges from 2010 to 2013, notably with the legendary Michael Schumacher behind the wheel.

Back in the era preceding their dominance, Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, joined Mercedes before retiring in 2012. Vowles, speaking on the High Performance podcast, shared his remorse, saying, "One of my regrets of my career is that we didn't get a win for him, that still hurts me today. He deserved a win."

Vowles highlighted Schumacher's unique leadership qualities, acknowledging that while Lewis Hamilton showcased superior skill on the track, Schumacher excelled in extracting every millisecond of performance from both himself and the team. Vowles reminisces about Schumacher's influence, stating, "He was a leader that if he said 'I'm going to go this way,' the team would follow him there."

Despite Schumacher's near-victory at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, where a grid penalty denied him the win, the German driver managed to secure his final podium at the European Grand Prix in Valencia later that year. Vowles, looking back, cherishes the memories of working closely with Schumacher, sharing personal experiences like motorbike rides and the genuine interest Schumacher took in his colleagues' lives.

Recalling Schumacher's impact on Nico Rosberg, Vowles notes, "Nico learned a tremendous amount from him, and it formed the Nico that ultimately won the World Championship. Which is squeeze everything out that you can, at the cost of everything else."

As the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits the 2024 season, Vowles' reflections on the missed opportunity to secure a win for Schumacher add a poignant layer to the sport's history. The upcoming season promises renewed excitement, with teams gearing up for the official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from February 23-25.

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