BBC Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle believes that Michael Schumacher was ‘lucky’ to get away with his driving style at the Italian Grand Prix.

McLaren have already criticised the German for his performance, saying that his tactics made it ‘scary as hell’ at times for Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Continuing the theme of assessing Schumacher’s race, Brundle says that the ‘regulations are very clear’.

Speaking in his BBC column, Brundle said: “Surprisingly, they (the stewards) were not asked to comment on the robust defence by Michael Schumacher from Lewis Hamilton.”

“A steward told me after the race that he was very frustrated not to have been consulted during the race, particularly as he takes a very dim view of what he perceived as blocking.”

“The procedure which did happen was race control spoke with the team and gave a warning which translated into two radio calls from team principal Ross Brawn to Schumacher to leave more space for Hamilton.”

“Schumacher was driving in an aggressive and questionable manner, and it must be said that many teams and drivers would have appreciated this service in the past rather than being issued an immediate penalty.”

“The regulations are very clear that you cannot force another driver off the track. It should have been at least investigated as to whether Alonso did this to Vettel, and Schumacher to Hamilton.”

“There is an agreed code of conduct that only one move across the track is allowed in defence of a position, and there is a further sporting trust between many of the drivers.”

“There were several questionable moves on Sunday by Schumacher – during braking into Ascari; the apparent sweep right pushing Hamilton onto the grass at Curva Grande; and the clear double move between the second chicane and first Lesmo corner.”

“Schumacher was placing his car very well, but his secondary defensive moves were pushing the limits to the absolute extreme and he was lucky to get away with it.”

What are your thoughts on Schumacher’s driving? Should he have been punished? Get in touch on Twitter and let us know. 

Check out the Italian Grand Prix race report here and reaction to the events of Monza here. Highlights of the race are also available to watch, while you can read more from Martin Whitmarsh and his take on the Italian Grand Prix here.

Finally, there is so much to bet on during the rest of the Formula 1 season, sign up to 188bet here to get the latest information and to start putting your money where your mouth is!

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