Michael Schumacher accused David Coulthard of ‘trying to kill him’ after Belgian GP smash

F1 has returned to action after the summer break with one of the highlights of the calendar – the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

The popular venue, a real favourite among drivers and fans, has provided numerous memorable moments down the years, often caused by the inclement weather in the Ardennes area of Belgium. Arguably the most dramatic F1 race at Spa occurred in 1998, won by Damon Hill in appalling conditions. It was Jordan’s maiden F1 win and the final victory of the 1996 world champion’s career.

But that only told part of the story of an incredible afternoon of drama, which began seconds after the lights went out. David Coulthard, after a poor start, slammed into a wall coming out of the first corner and triggered one of the biggest first-lap pile-ups in the sport’s history.

READ MORE: Jenson Button says tracks like Spa must stay on F1 calendar to keep drivers happy

On commentary, the legendary Murray Walker said: “This is quite appalling, this is the worst start for a Grand Prix I have ever seen in the whole my life.”

Incredibly, there were no serious injuries and Coulthard even managed to take the restart in the spare car. There was another crash straight after the restart, but crucially it wasn’t serious enough to trigger a red flag.

Pole-sitter Mika Hakkinen spun at the first corner while trying to hold off championship rival Michael Schumacher and the Sauber of Johnny Herbert spun into the stricken McLaren, ending the Finn’s race on the spot.

However, the race continued with early leader Hill being overtaken by Schumacher’s Ferrari on the seventh lap. The German then stretched away and was on course for a dominant victory until he came up to lap a much slower Coulthard.

There was already tension between the two teams and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt had gone to speak to McLaren counterpart Ron Dennis in a bid ensure the McLaren wouldn’t get in his driver’s way.

However, his worst fears were realised when Coulthard slowed down on the racing line and Schumacher, whose vision was impeded by thick spray, smashed into the back of him, ripping a front wheel off the Ferrari and the rear wing off the McLaren.

“Oh god,” screamed a shocked Walker on impact.

The drama continued after both drivers had limped back to the pits. A raging Schumacher quickly got out of his car and stormed towards the McLaren garage to confront Coulthard, reportedly shouting: “You tried to f****** kill me!”.

His attempts to get hold of the Scot were thwarted as mechanics from both teams jumped between them. Speaking to the media later, Schumacher fumed: “I am very annoyed about what happened. It was clear that we would have taken the lead in the championship, as I was by far the fastest car on the track.

“Obviously lifting on the straight like he did when I hit him is very dangerous. He has the experience to know that you do not slow down on a straight like that without giving any warning. So one could think he did it deliberately.”

What’s your favourite Belgian Grand Prix memory? Tell us in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, Coulthard slammed Schumacher’s behaviour in the pits and insisted he had done nothing untoward.

“He came into the garage saying that I tried to kill him,” he said. “I find his behaviour totally unacceptable. If he wanted to discuss it, man to man, there wouldn’t have been a problem.

“If he wants to accuse me of things like that then I have no interest in talking to him. The allegations he made were untrue. I have given my side of this. Michael Schumacher has given his. I am 100 per cent certain that I did nothing wrong. I think what Michael said and did is disgusting, especially accusing me of trying to kill him.”

Later, at the following Italian Grand Prix, the pair discussed the incident more calmly, although they still couldn’t agree on who was to blame. However, years later, Coulthard did accept responsibility.

“I should not have lifted on the racing line, because clearly he could not see me, but in the moment, when I was told he was lapping me, I just wanted to let the leader go,” he admitted.

“I knew he was angry. His neck was red and his eyes were out on stalks and obviously the team kept us apart.

“We met the week later in Monza. I said: ‘Look Michael, surely you have to accept some responsibility because you’re the one who ran into me. I didn’t reverse into you’.

“He said: ‘No I don’t see it that way’. And I said: ‘Well, surely you’re wrong sometimes?’ And he went: ‘…Not that I remember!’.”

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