An F1 insider has revealed some quotes from an F1 champion regarding the mind games he faced from seven-time champion Michael Schumacher when they were team-mates.
After losing out on the 2005 and 2006 world championships to Fernando Alonso, Schumacher opted to retire from F1 as a seven-time champion.
He would only sit out three seasons though, before making a stunning return in 2010 as a 41-year-old.
Schumacher joined Mercedes, helping the German car manufacturer to find their feet in their early days as a works F1 outfit. He raced for three seasons for Mercedes, picking up just one podium, but his input was crucial in determining the outfit’s future, and they were the dominant force in the sport by 2014.
Despite having a respectful relationship in a kind of master and apprentice setup, Rosberg and Schumacher did not always see eye to eye, particularly during weekends when Mercedes were challenging for podiums or race wins.
Now, Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes has revealed how an infamous incident between the two Germans came about, due to an unfortunate toilet situation at the Monaco Grand Prix.
In her new book, Drive (released 07/05/26, published by Michael O’Mara Books), Brookes explained the situation.
“As a journalist I carry out what I call toilet-run interviews,” Brookes began. “The drivers come off the grid and go to the bathroom before the race start, and I intercept them on the way and ask one or two questions about the race ahead. It still amazes me to this day that they speak to me so close to the race start, but it’s one of the most highly charged moments of the weekend.
“Most tracks have toilet blocks easily accessible to the drivers, some even have toilets within the teams’ garages, but Monaco is a whole different ball game. For the most glamorous and expensive race of the year, it has the fewest toilets. I’ll let Nico explain, speaking here on the Beyond Victory podcast…”
Brookes then included an excerpt from a Rosberg interview: “So this guy, for three years, Mr Mind Games. One example was Monaco qualifying. There’s only one toilet in the garage. So he’s in the toilet, and I go down, and it’s 10 minutes before, and I know that ‘OK, I have my two minutes now for the last pee and then jump in the car and go and qualify’.
“So I knock on the door, because it was locked, and I’m like, ‘Nico, here, let me in.’ No answer, nothing. So I’m knocking, knocking, no answer, nothing. Locked. But I can hear that someone’s in there. So here was Michael leaning against the wall, looking at his watch, and he knew that as long as he made it out with three minutes to go, he could still just about jump in the car, put the seat belt on and go. And I’m outside, full panic mode, and so I went for the oil bucket option in the corner.
“So I managed to do what I needed to do, but the panic had such an impact on my qualifying. These games, all day long.”
Paul Meijer enjoyed a challenging and successful weekend, racing at both the Nurburgring 24 hour race and Spa-Francorchamps.
The Dutch Porsche driver took part in two separate events – winning at both – and proved his versatility behind the wheel.
Meijer shared the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup with team-mates Alexander Hardt, Benja Hites, and Benjamin Koslowski for Black Falcon Team Zimmermann.
In a dramatic turn of events during the first qualifying session, Hardt’s car unexpectedly halted and caught fire, with matters worsening when another Porsche collided with them.
Fortunately, both Hardt and the other driver, Janina Schall, emerged unscathed. Although Black Falcon received permission to use a spare chassis, the team ultimately qualified last in the Cup 2 class.
The team made an impressive turnaround in the race. “After starting from the back – finishing P97 overall and last in our class – we had taken the lead by the end of the first stint,” Meijer told GPFans and Autosport.nl on Sunday morning.
“I’ve completed two double stints, and at 9:00 I begin my final two and a half hours before quickly heading back to Spa. We’re now running P21 overall and first in our class with a four and a half minute lead,” he added, with roughly seven hours remaining.
Meijer didn’t limit himself to the Nurburgring 24 hours. He also competed in the GT Cup Europe at Spa-Francorchamps, traveling back and forth to take on both challenges.
Even though he wasn’t present at the Nurburgring finish because he was in Belgium, he will still receive the Cup 2 class trophy. With Black Falcon Team Zimmermann, he also managed an impressive P18 overall finish.
It has been 10 years since Max Verstappen was plucked from the ranks of Red Bull’s junior F1 team and thrust into a full-time seat with the energy drink giant’s main racing squad.
The man behind the bold decision, Helmut Marko, was heavily questioned at the time due to Verstappen’s youth and inexperience compared to the man he was replacing, Daniil Kvyat.
However, these plans quickly changed after a disappointing run from Kvyat, with Marko initiating an early mid-season swap, promoting the 18-year-old and demoting Kvyat.
Marko reveals Horner pushback over Verstappen promotion
Now, a decade on from that monumental move, ex-Red Bull advisor Marko looked back on the decision that many disagreed with, revealing that even team boss at the time, Christian Horner, wasn’t initially sold on the prospect of a promotion for a teenage Verstappen.
Speaking to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Marko said: “Team principal Horner disagreed with promoting Max after just four races in 2016; he was against it.
“Just as many rivals and critics put me through the wringer and said that Max was still far too young and that this was a dangerous move.”
Marko, now 83 years old and recently retired from his full-time duties within Red Bull’s F1 ranks spoke of how quickly the deal with Verstappen took place.
Marko had attempted to get hold of his father, ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, but he was unable to pick up due to being mid-flight. When Verstappen Sr. landed, he had three missed calls from the Austrian.
“Jos saw it coming,” said Marko.
“He called back and asked something like: ‘Should we come to Graz?’ I deliberately didn’t say what it was about at the time, but a day later we were indeed already together in Austria.
“We knew we were going to get a lot of flak. But fortunately, both Jos and I were used to such outbursts…”
Marko was immediately vindicated and the now sacked team principal Horner proved wrong.
Maro Engel is full of praise for four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen as the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nurburgring approaches.
The Mercedes-AMG factory driver believes the Dutchman has a genuine passion for the Nordschleife and speaking to GPFans, Engel said it’s an honour to be teammates with Verstappen.
Engel, who has plenty of experience on the infamous Eifel track, won the 24h Nurburgring a decade ago. Although he hasn’t claimed another victory since, he’s hopeful this weekend will mark a turnaround as he shares the No. 80 Team Ravenol entry with Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz.
The car, which is run by Winward Racing and the same team managing Verstappen Racing, posted the quickest time in the first qualifying session. Afterwards, Engel revealed that he is thrilled to be part of the same camp as the Red Bull F1 star.
Engel told GPFans: “First and foremost, it’s fantastic that he’s decided to take part in this event. As many have already noted, his decision really shows what kind of driver he is.
“His attitude fits perfectly with our team, and it’s refreshing to hear his perspective. He instinctively adapts to different situations, which is a huge asset.
“I genuinely consider it an honour to have him on board. He’s integrated flawlessly and is just as much a member of this group as any of us. Perhaps he’s simply blessed with a bit more natural talent.”
“I wouldn’t even compare him directly with other professional drivers. From an outsider’s perspective, he comes across as very relatable to the community of amateur racers – the kind of people who are here purely because they love driving.
“While he brings all the skills and professionalism you’d expect from a pro, his genuine passion for the Nordschleife is what sets him apart. This race is defined by that unique mix of professionals and enthusiasts all coming together for the thrill of the experience.”
Verstappen seems to have found a second home at the Nürburgring, and Engel concluded: “Everyone who’s seen him in the paddock, just like any other driver here, can vouch for his down-to-earth nature. He doesn’t demand special treatment; he simply does what he does best. He’s one of many here who truly enjoy the adventure of racing in this legendary event.”
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