Michael Schumacher: Pirelli tyres like driving on eggs

Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher has criticised the provider of tyres to Formula 1, Pirelli, describing the Italian rubber as like driving on "raw eggs".

The seven-time world champion has failed to achieve a podium since his return to the sport with the German team in 2010 and has apportioned some of the blame to Pirelli.

"They are so peaky and so special that we don't put the cars or ourselves to the limit," the 43-year-old told CNN.

"We drive like on raw eggs and don't want to stress the tyres at all. Otherwise you just overdo it and then you go nowhere."

Pirelli replaced Japanese brand Bridgestone as supplier to the elite motorsport at the end of the 2010 season and have been credited for increasing excitement at race because of their more easy-wearing nature.