Minardi driver Mark Webber has said Michael Schumacher was “weak” to go along with Ferrari’s team orders in Austria last weekend.

Webber, who struck up a friendship with Schumacher at the start of the season after the German champion personally congratulated him for finishing fifth in his first race in Melbourne, expressed his views about the controversial incident in his column for Australian Motorsport News.

‘As a sportsman, Michael could have said to the team, “forget the contracts – he’s (Barrichello) earned this one,’ Webber wrote.

‘For Michael to follow through with it was in my view, pretty weak. Everyone felt for Rubens. Despite his tremendous performance, he had no choice (but to cede position).

‘The problem is Michael. They would have been discussing the situation on the radio for several laps.

‘Michael could have said to them, as a sportsman, that it was Rubens’ race.’

The incident at Zeltweg has sparked major controversy in the media and amongst Formula One enthusiasts worldwide over the past week.

The FIA will be demanding an explanation from the drivers and Ferrari about the position change and podium incident at a World Council hearing in Paris on June 26.