Schumacher snubbed for not joining drivers' association

Melbourne, Mar 28(ANI): Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has been snubbed by his fellow drivers on his F1 comeback.

Schumacher has not rejoined an organization crucial to track safety, amid fears he would face more criticism over his ruthless tactics.

The 41-year-old dodged potential conflict by not becoming a member of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association after returning with Mercedes.

The dispute with his fellow racers goes back to the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix when he caused a storm by deliberately wrecking rival Fernando Alonso's qualifying lap.

"Some of the guys don't really want anything to do with Michael and have made that clear. They remember Monaco in 2006 and a few other incidents in the past," The News of The World quoted an F1 driver, as saying.

"Michael got a lot of stick in the drivers' briefings and GPDA meetings after Monaco as what he did was unacceptable. They think he doesn't want any more of that so is ducking the issue by not rejoining," the driver added.

During his long career, Schumacher has been involved in several incidents, which have caused considerable controversy.

He has been vilified in the British media for his involvement in title-deciding collision with Damon Hill in 1994 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1997, while German and Italian newspapers widely condemned his actions in 1997.

The 1994 incident was viewed by the FIA as a racing incident, and brought no sanction; whereas the 1997 incident saw Schumacher disqualified from the championship standings. (ANI)