SEPTEMBER 21, 2000
Schumacher reveals surprise at reaction to his tears at Monza
Schumacher broke down in tears after equalling the 41-race wins of Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna in the race at Monza that was marred by the death of a fire marshal after a multi-car collision at the la Roggia chicane.
"What surprised me was that people said I was human after all," said Schumacher. "For me, it was a surprise because I thought I was a human being before it happened. That surprised me the most.
"It was very strange for me because on the one hand I was so happy and to have equalled the record of Ayrton Senna was something special, but on the other hand I had other thoughts.
"I was thinking of Ayrton, a driver I really admired, and I had those memories of Imola in 1994 and it was all too much for me."
Schumacher also played down any talk of a rift with championship rival Mika Hakkinen. He insisted that he has the utmost respect for the McLaren driver.
He added: "We have a pretty good relationship. We are rivals for the championship, but we have a natural relationship and we have a lot of respect for each other."