Schumi might be bad for F1 - Walker - 2nd August 19:46pm GMT

Six-time world formula one champion Michael Schumacher's success could be bad for the sport, says one of the most recognised faces, and voices, of grand prix racing, Murray Walker.

But the superb Schumacher-Ferrari steamroller, which has flattened the opposition this year even more than it has in the past, could have a negative effect.

"If he goes on much longer with gargantuan records, I think he is bad for formula one because the general public don't realise what a genius he is, and the general public is bored with one constructor and one driver winning all of the time," Walker said.

"People want variety at the front of the field."

Privately, though, Walker isn't bored with the performances of the redoubtable Schumacher-Ferrari combination.

"From my point of view as an informed enthusiast, he is absolutely fantastic," he said. "Whatever yardstick you apply, he is one of the greatest of all time, and in my opinion, up there with [Italy's Tazio] Nuvolari and [Argentinian great Juan Manuel] Fangio, who were my previous contenders."

Walker said he was not just referring to Schumacher's records (more world championships than anyone else, more wins, and more wins in a season) but the entire "Schumacher package".

"It is the whole mix of all of his various talents," Walker said. "It's the combination of his driving ability, of course, and his tactical acumen, and also his team leadership. It's the way he is able to motivate a team and draw the people around him in a way that no one else has been able to do to the same extent as he has."