MICHAEL SCHUMACHER has sent a text apology to Rubens Barrichello regarding his reckless 190mph swerve.
Rather than walking the mere 50 yards from his Mercedes motor-home in the Spa paddock to apologize in person, the seven-time champion opted for a text.
This was the first time the pair has been at the track since Schumacher nearly crashed Barrichello into the wall during the last race in Hungary nearly a month earlier.
Despite the incident, the 41-year-old German stood by his actions as he defended his move while Barrichello attempted to overtake him.
Schumacher commented: “I have no issue with speaking to Rubens. I sent him a text for two reasons. First, it’s his 300th grand prix, and we share quite a history together.
“I felt it was right to congratulate him and to clarify my intentions, as he believed I was trying to push him into the wall, which was never my aim.
“If he perceived that I intended to push him against the wall, then I’m sorry for that.”
Following a 10-place grid penalty imposed by the stewards for Sunday’s Belgian GP, Schumacher was compelled to apologize by his Mercedes team.
However, had he taken the time for a face-to-face apology with the seasoned Brazilian, it might have helped mend his tarnished reputation.
Barrichello, 38, expressed his outrage after narrowly avoiding a collision with the concrete barrier while they raced down the home straight.
He remarked: “If he wants to go to heaven before me, that’s his choice. I’m not ready to go there yet!
“That move was the most dangerous encounter I’ve ever faced. It was terrifying.”
Nonetheless, as he geared up to be the first F1 driver to hit the 300-race milestone, he graciously accepted Schumacher’s texted apology.
Barrichello added: “I received a message from him, an SMS.
“Someone mentioned to him that I thought he pushed me toward the wall. He assured me that wasn’t his intention and apologized for the misunderstanding.
“I responded, ‘thank you, no problem.’ I accepted it and wished him a great weekend. Life goes on.”