Jul.12 - Ralf Schumacher stunned spectators at the Austrian GP by lapping faster than the current-generation Formula 1 cars.

The former F1 driver, whose 23-year-old nephew Mick races for Haas, was reunited with his 2003 Williams car, whose V10 engine had been detuned from the original 950 to 850 horsepower.

Laptimes were not officially recorded or published, but some claimed the 47-year-old was clearly faster than the current 2022 cars.

"I was faster," Schumacher confirmed to motorsport-total.com, "but I won't say by how much."

When asked to explain the anomaly of a nearly 20-year-old Formula 1 car going quicker than a fully-competitive 2022 machine, the German explained to motorsport: "The current cars are almost 200 kilograms heavier.

"Safety is what makes the cars so heavy today," Schumacher added.


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17 F1 Fan comments on “Ralf Schumacher quicker in Austria with 2003 F1 car then current cars

  1. Nobodysperfect

    Sorry Ralf but you are not accurate!
    It's not only the safety that make them heavy!
    It are those stupid batteries and ton of copper wires that make the cars heavier!
    Just get rid of them and put in the old V10's and current cars will go like hell!

    Reply
    • ReallyOldRacer

      You are correct. 20 yr old car, 47 yr old driver, and it's faster? Pitiful. We aren't going to get V-10s, and safety matters, BUT far less PU complication and smaller dimensions are entirely possible.

      Reply
    • Swede

      Yes, the lighter, simpler, more powerful, more awe insorung, louder, fast, cooker v10s were faster.

      But the Red Bull Rung lap record still belings to Bottas in the 2020 Merc at 1:02.3x

      Reply
  2. Jere Jyrälä

    Total lie. He lapped considerably slower than anyone in qualifying, even Seb, who qualified dead-last with a 1:07.083.
    I found an onboard video & clocked his four laps & the times were as follows: 1:15.0xx, 1:13.8xx, 1:21.9xx, & 1:20.0xx (the last two were slower because he didn't push flat out throughout).
    He wouldn't have even met the 107% rule.
    Pointless to lie when you get caught 100% certainly.
    People find out eventually anyway.

    Reply
    • Jax

      You're probably right but it's Ralph so nobody really cares.
      That BMW still holds the fastest lap in F1 history by the hands of Mr. Juan Pablo Montoya.
      M power forever. 💪

      Reply
      • Swede

        Wrong again JaxAss.

        Mr. Valterri Bottas, Mercedes driver #2 holds the lap record at the Red Bull Ring (fka A1 Ring, fka Österreichring) in the 2020 Mercedes W11 at 1:02.94 with an average speed of 247 kph (154 mph) on July 4, 2020.

        Juan Pablo is one of my favorite drivers, but he (nor BMW) didn't even rank in the top 160 best lap times at the Red Bull Ring: https://fastestlaps.com/tracks/red-bull-ring#google_vignette

        Please try to use facts, and keep your 1985 BMW 318 on the road while you Jax off...

        Reply
        • Jax

          We're both wrong actually. Sir Lewis has the record which he broke in 2020. I didn't even remember this record as he has so many. 😅
          So Montoya sits third. Still love that car. Would be interesting to see it on a push lap with modern ultra slicks and max power driven by LH or Max.

          Reply
          • Jax

            😂 The dyslexic Swedess clearly has no clue why the discussion became about Monza so he keeps harping on Austria's lap times. Take notice folks....as this is how a brain made of lead behaves. 😆
            He has no comprehension why BMW and Montoya had 'THE' F1 lap record that stood for 14 years and only broken twice since. Then has the ignorant audacity to say "try to keep up". Lol smh. What a cast of characters in here.

  3. Donalf

    On the issue of brake dust inhalation I thought that they would have had that covered by safety regulations, has any past drivers had breathing problems or lung problems due to motor racing. S. V certainly had his fair share of it on his face & clothes & VB has spoken about it also so must be a problem.

    Reply
  4. tim

    I thought Kimi broke Montoya's average lap speed at Monza in his last year with Ferrari.
    Either way, JPM is greatly missed. Only Fernando has those kind of balls in today's lineup.

    Reply

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