Schumacher tribute? 'All bets are off' move awards major win at Silverstone

14:36, 08 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Jarno Opmeer pulled off a daring move during a virtual Grand Prix at Silverstone that instantly reminded fans of Michael Schumacher’s controversial 1998 win.

Opmeer, running in third late in the race, swung into the pit lane to shorten the course by cutting through Turns 17 and 18. The tactic worked, as he crossed the finish line 0.008 seconds ahead of second place.

The similarity to the real‑life incident is uncanny. In 1998, Schumacher veered into the pit lane on the final lap, benefiting from a time penalty but triggering a rulebook controversy. His win ultimately stood after race officials reversed the penalty following scrutiny over procedural loopholes.

Opmeer beats the rulebook to 'A la Schumi' win

Opmeer admitted he knew it was fast, since he’d noticed that drivers who pitted had posted quicker laps. And he then pulled the 'all bets are off' move.

“If you try a trick like that, you never know if it will work,” he said to the Dutch branch of Motorsport.com. “Maybe the win feels even better because the margin was so narrow.”

He also noted there's nothing in the virtual racing rulebook forbidding such a manoeuvre. “In real‑life F1, that wouldn’t be allowed. But in this league, it isn’t covered,” he explained.

As for whether the result stands, a final decision is still pending. “We need to wait. It’s not in the rules, so we do not expect a penalty," Opmeer concluded.