German papers hit out at Schumi - 10th March 20:19pm GMT

Michael Schumacher is usually the darling of the media but he was in the firing line after clashing with compatriot and BMW Williams driver Nick Heidfeld in the Melbourne Grand Prix on Sunday.

With 15 laps until the chequered flag Ferrari ace Schumacher, 36, refused to allow countryman Heidfeld to pass and the pair collided before spinning off on to the grass.

“Rambo Schumi,” headlined Bild daily.

“Heidfeld was quicker but Schumi just edged him on to the grass.

“And then he offered no apology after.”

Schumacher insisted neither driver was to blame claiming it was just part and parcel of motor racing.

“I saw him behind me just as I came out of the pits and made it clear I was going to defend my position,” Schumacher said.

“It is optimistic of Nick to think I am going to just let him pass inside me.”

But the win-at-all-costs attitude of the Ferrari driver prompted Bild to ask: “Is Schumacher really that bad of a loser?”

Bild, Germanys most popular tabloid, was not alone in asking questions about the behaviour of the former Benetton driver.

“Schumacher on the stocks,” read sport 1.

“His actions crown a miserable weekend.”

“Relaxed Schumi has no conscience,” added the Frankfurter Allgemeine.

Formula One chiefs have confirmed that no action will be taken against Schumacher or Heidfeld after watching television replays of the incident.