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Ralf Schumacher

F1 race winner reveals the ONLY team-mate he got on with

F1 race winner reveals the ONLY team-mate he got on with

Matthew Hobkinson
Ralf Schumacher

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed that Jenson Button was the only team-mate he got on with during his time in the sport.

The word team-mate is somewhat of a contradiction in F1 as more often than not, they are the person you are most desperate to beat.

Running in the same machinery, team-mates are eager to prove that they are the best driver and therefore get some of the perks associated with that such as preferential strategy calls during a race.

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It is not uncommon for team-mates to clash – 'Multi 21, Seb' – as after all there is only space for one driver at they very top of the podium.

Ralf Schumacher on duty for Sky Sports Germany
Ralf Schumacher on duty for Sky Sports Germany
The German was a fan of Jenson Button during their time together as team-mates
The German was a fan of Jenson Button during their time together as team-mates

Schumacher: Button only F1 team-mate I liked

And Schumacher, brother of F1 legend Michael, is no exception to this rule, admitting that he did not get along with the vast majority of his team-mates during his time in the sport.

Yet there was one exception, in the form of his then Williams team-mate Button during the 2000 season.

“I didn’t like my team-mates. Never. Except for Jenson I have to say," he told the Formula For Success podcast.

"He was a relatively easy guy. On the other hand, I was difficult for my team-mates too because I didn’t want any conversation other than setup work we had to do with the engineers.

"That was separate for me and team-mates was always the first one to be beaten.”

Button himself has admitted a similar outlook to Schumacher, stating that he even looked to take advantage of Lewis Hamilton's vulnerabilities when the pair were together at McLaren.

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