• Canadian Grand Prix

Bittersweet race for Schumacher

Michael Schumacher was battling with Mark Webber late in the race © Sutton Images

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• Report:
• Button snatches sensational victory
  

• Race:
• Canadian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Michael Schumacher admitted he didn't know whether to laugh or cry after finishing fourth in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Schumacher was running in second place late in the race having climbed through the field on intermediate tyres, but was unable to resist the pace of Jenson Button and eventually lost out in a battle with Mark Webber for third, finishing just 0.3s behind the Red Bull. Schumacher said he was disappointed not to finish on the podium for the first time since returning to the sport, but that he was pleased to be so competitive.

"I am leaving this race with one eye laughing and one eye crying, as I am not sure if I should be excited or sad about it," Schumacher said. "Having been in second place towards the end, I would obviously have loved to finish there and be on the podium again. But even if it did not work out in the very end, we can be happy about the result and the big fight we put in.

"A good strategy after the red flag made it possible, and I am very happy for our team. I would also like to send a big compliment out to the spectators who stayed with us in those difficult circumstances for so long and even cheered us up. That was impressive, and I am glad that I could play my part in entertaining them."

Team principal Ross Brawn was full of praise for Schumacher's drive despite ultimately missing out on a top three finish.

"It was a thrilling race and Michael drove beautifully in the second part," Brawn said. "He did a strong job on the intermediates and the option tyres, but was unable to hold off Jenson and Mark's faster cars, particularly when they had the use of DRS. Even so, it was a fantastic drive to climb eight places and finish fourth."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.