Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg interview in Imola - April 20, 2006 - dailymotion (16:53)
Transcript under the cut
Interviewer (Felix Görner): Yes, a nice picture, hello Michael, hello Nico, the youngest and the oldest (both laugh and glance at each other), but both of whom consider themselves very young. Michael, first of all— Michael: (without his microphone and leaning towards Nico) I thought, one considered himself older and the other young, right? Interviewer: You really need to use the microphone. (Nico laughs) Michael: (lifts the microphone) That's better, that's probably true. (laughs) I thought one considered himself older and the other young.
Interviewer: Michael, how well do you actually know each other? Michael: Yes, how well? I mean, we've met up on and off over the years. I especially remember our go kart race in 2001. We were a bit closer on the track, dueling for quite a while. And then, of course, we bumped into each other in the paddock.
Interviewer: Nico, how would you describe your relationship with Michael? Is he—I know racing drivers don't like to hear this—is he a role model, is he a colleague? How do you see the whole thing? Nico: Well, firstly, he's my competitor, definitely. But over time, of course—I've followed Formula 1 for a very long time now—a great deal of respect has developed on my part, simply for what he's achieved over all these years. I mean, I think that's quite normal when you're growing up here as a young, aspiring driver. I also think it's fantastic because there are many drivers in the paddock who have a lot of talent, but they don't make anything of it, and I think Michael is someone who has really made something of it.
Interviewer: Michael, what's your take on Nico at the moment? You're certainly following his career a bit more closely now. How do you think he's developing? Michael: I don't think there's much to discuss. I mean, the results speak for themselves. Someone who dominated GP2 so much last year, then jumps into a Formula 1 car and is immediately competitive, and in the first race, with all its difficulties, practically finishes in… (turns and leans towards Nico) fifth place? Fourth? Nico: (smiles) Seventh. Michael: (leans back surprised) Really? Seventh? Nico: Yeah, seventh. Michael: Okay, I had (—) something better, well in any case he finished behind his teammate. (in the first phrase he cut off the verb, which comes last in German) Nico: Expected better, or what? (laughs) Michael: No no no, (laughs) not expected. There could have been more if it hadn't been for the mishaps and problems. But in fact, I think he showed quite clearly what he's capable of, and the results speak for themselves.
Interviewer: Nico, when Michael first became world champion, you were very, very young. When did you first become consciously aware of him? Nico: Yes, already that year then. (Michael looks at Nico) I think it was around 1994 or something. Michael: (smiling) How old were you then, anyway? Nico: Nine. Michael: Oh (unintelligible) (laughs) Nico: (overlapping) I’m really sorry. I'm really sorry. (laughs) Michael: (unintelligible) Nico: No, because my father managed Mika Häkkinen. And so, over the years, in 1992, 1993, and 1994, I gradually became interested in it. And yes, the first year I actually watched Formula 1 all the time was, I think, around 1994.
Interviewer: Michael, does Nico have anything in common with his father? (Nico glances at Michael) Michael: Oh, that's difficult to judge. I know Keke a little, but not really well enough. And to be quite honest, even though we've (indicating Nico) run into each other quite often, we don't really know each other that well personally yet. That might change in the future, but overall it's been very pleasant so far.
Interviewer: Nico, you're constantly confronted about your father’s role. Has it become a burden for you that people keep bringing it up? Or is it more of a pleasure? Nico: No, ultimately it is a burden. I mean, when my father comes up in every interview, and people ask what it's like to be his son and so on, then it does become a bit of a strain. But I've learned to live with it by now, and I ultimately see it as a positive thing. I mean, it's helped me a lot in my career so far. And that's why those few questions are okay.
Interviewer: Michael, you also have a young son. Especially when we’re talking about so many fathers and their sons in Formula 1 these days. You see of course what's going on with the Rosberg family. Now imagine, maybe Mick will also become a racing driver. Keke is really professional about it, looking after him. How would you approach that question? Michael: The question is, who's really looking after who? Because Keke's getting to an age where (looks at Nico, who smiles) his son always has to check up on him. (laughs) Just kidding. The fact is, you do have advantages in this situation, because doors are opened for you, making certain things easier. But ultimately, when it comes to proving yourself, you're on your own. And then the burden weighs even heavier. I imagine it's very difficult to avoid that, to cope with it, to live with it. He's kind of confirmed it himself. It gets really annoying after a certain point. I hope my son becomes a tennis player, a golfer, I don't know what. But nothing like what his father did. (looks at Nico) Because it is a real burden, and I don't want to burden him with that. If he wants to do it, he'll do it. I won't be able to stop him anyway. But I hope he does something else.
Interviewer: You can't rule it out, though. He'll soon be at the age where the younger generation is already karting and starting earlier and earlier. You can already see that the rookies are 20. Is something like that likely to happen with your son? Nico: I know, from my own experience, that I was strongly encouraged to pursue tennis and golf when I was little. (Michael laughs) But unfortunately, nothing came of it. Michael: You can always try. The advantage I had as a child was that I was allowed to try a lot of things that were within my budget. Like football, judo, and things like that. And my father never told me, "Now you have to do this or that." Instead, I was ultimately allowed to make the decision myself. And eventually, I did. I want to at least give my son or daughter the opportunity. Because maybe they'll actually be more interested in other things. And luckily, so far, when they watch the start, that's all they're interested in, and the rest doesn't interest them. (smiles) So they're not that into racing.
Interviewer: You're both extremely ambitious. Nico, there's that great story about you, playing tennis with your father. It was quite a drama. (Michael laughs) Michael, we know that from his earliest childhood, playing cards. So you're both competitive types. You always want to win. Is that what makes a true racer, that you don't just do that in motorsports, but in many other areas of life as well? Nico: Well, I definitely think so, yes. Because you can only really make it through here and be the best if you're ambitious. That's absolutely crucial, I think. And I am extremely ambitious. (Michael looks at Nico) I have to admit that, yes.
Interviewer: Is there anything you would like from Michael? (laughs) A title? (Michael laughs) Nico: The experience. (laughs) Interviewer: Not a title? Nico: No, I'll get it myself.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, and I'm glad it went well. Good luck! Michael: Okay, you’re welcome. Nico: Thanks.
Transcription notes: I'm not fluent in German and used google translate for most of it, so if anyone has corrections or additions for the parts I can't make out, please let me know. All mistakes are my own.
