Boris Becker slams Schumacher critics

German tennis legend Boris Becker has scolded F1’s experts for pushing Michael Schumacher to retire.

He told Die Welt newspaper it is not right that “formula one greats are now criticising him publicly and basically forcing him to go”.

Former number 1 Becker, 43, said the criticisms coming from the likes of triple world champion Niki Lauda “have no decency or class”.

And he said even F1’s new German sensation Sebastian Vettel “would not win all the races in the Mercedes”.

Becker also said he doesn’t think Schumacher, 42, is damaging his legacy.

“You cannot do that,” he said, “when you’re a seven times world champion.”

Former FIA president Max Mosley also backed Schumacher.

“Maybe it’s because of my age,” said the 71-year-old to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, “but I’m absolutely convinced that Michael can still win races if he is in the right car.

“I can imagine that what is difficult to do at his age is to motivate himself when he knows he cannot win at the moment.

“If Michael had a winning car, it would be hard work for Rosberg against him,” added Mosley.

© RIF | GMM