Michael Schumacher: 'Mercedes have made progress'

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher has insisted that his Mercedes team have made progress this season despite mixed results on the track.

The German outfit have achieved just two podium finishes this year, with Nico Rosberg winning the Chinese Grand Prix and Schumacher placing third in Valencia.

Mercedes have fewer points now than they did at this stage last season, but Schumacher is adamant that does not mean the team have not taken forward steps.

"As so often in life, this is, in my opinion, a question of perspective. If we only look at the points, it doesn't seem so good, but if you look a bit deeper, and at certain results, then the overall picture is much better," he said.

"We have taken a clear step forward and already achieved a few highlights."

Rosberg and Schumacher currently sit sixth and 12th in the standings, with 76 and 29 points respectively.