Budapest, Hungary: Michael Schumacher was penalized 10 places on the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix on Monday after the seven-time Formula One champion impeded Rubens Barrichello during the Hungarian GP on Sunday.
The Mercedes driver, in his first season back racing following a three-year retirement, was ruled to have "illegitimately impeded" Barrichello in a post-race stewards' inquiry.
Schumacher appeared to try to force Barrichello in the direction of a concrete wall at Hungaroring circuit as they fought for 10th place, the last point-scoring position.
Barrichello's car was forced onto the pit lane exit and he was heard saying "that was horrible" on Williams' team radio and called for Schumacher to be shown the black flag, which orders a driver to return to the pit and usually means his exclusion from the race.
"I had to work pretty hard for the point in the fight that wasn't fair or clean," Barrichello said. "All I am clear about is that I am a racer and in such situations I never back off."
After the race, Schumacher was less than contrite and his team claimed he had failed to see Barrichello's car gaining on him.
"Regarding the overtaking maneuver with Rubens, I indicated pretty early that I would move toward the inside and not simply give up the line, and there was just enough space for him to pass me without touching each other," Schumacher said. "It was a hard fight and this is what we are here for, but I accept that the FIA stewards saw it as too hard."
Mercedes boss Ross Brawn said they accepted the penalty but did not necessarily agree with the stewards' decision.
"It's been a tough weekend but we will go away, lick our wounds and come back stronger at the next few races," Brawn said.
Schumacher's return to F1 has been far from satisfying. The German is a distant ninth in the drivers' standings and is yet to finish on the podium. His best finish was coming fourth at Barcelona and Istanbul. He started 14th in Hungary, his second worst result.
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