Michael Schumacher to retire from Formula 1 at end of season
10-04-2012, 05:15 AM
#1
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Michael Schumacher to retire from Formula 1 at end of season
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19826983
Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is to replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes from next year.
Schumacher was linked with a move to Sauber for 2013 but has decided to end an F1 career that began in 1991.
"Although I am still able to compete with the best drivers, at some point it is good to say goodbye," said the 43-year-old German.
"During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I'm not 100% for.
"With today's decision I feel released from those doubts, and in the end my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished by competitiveness."
Schumacher won 91 races in 19 seasons, helping to revive Ferrari's fortunes after he joined them in 1996.
He won his first title with Benetton in 1994 and repeated the feat the following year.
He claimed five straight titles between 2000 and 2004, before retiring for a first time in 2006.
After three years away from the sport he made a comeback with Mercedes in 2010.
However, since his return he has managed just one podium finish in three seasons, at Valencia in June.
"It is without doubt we did not achieve our goals to develop a world championship-fighting car but it is also very clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in the whole time of my career," added Schumacher.
"In the past six years I have learned a lot about myself - for example that you can open yourself without losing focus, that losing can be both more difficult and more instructive than winning.
"Sometimes I lost this in the earlier years, though you appreciate what you are able to do and that you are able to live your convictions and I was able to do so."
Speculation that Schumacher would retire at the end of the season first surfaced at the start of September, when Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone told BBC Sport that he was "sorry that he's leaving us not being a winner, because he is a winner".
Schumacher insisted on Tuesday he remained motivated for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, where he will drop 10 places on the Suzuka grid after being penalised for crashing into the back of Jean-Eric Vergne's Toro Rosso during the Singapore Grand Prix, forcing both of them to retire.
However, he admitted his decision to retire was influenced by confirmation of Hamilton's move to Mercedes.
"The special moment is that the team have found an option with Lewis that helped me find the decision, because there was an option for me to do so at earlier stage," Schumacher said.
"I was in the picture when the negotiation was going on, but I didn't want to decide; I was not sure. Sometimes in life your destiny will develop by itself, without any hard feelings and without any regrets.
"We all know Lewis is one of the best drivers we have around and I cross fingers that we will have a successful future."
Schumacher would not be drawn on what he plans to do after the season ends, saying his focus is on the remaining races.
He said: "There are six races to go - that's what comes next. Whatever comes afterwards, we'll see. There is no point and need to find any decisions right now.
"I'd do it exactly as I did it the first time, although I did not think there would be a second time. That is to focus 100% on what I do and think about what I am going to do next after that.
"I have options, and you know some of the options, but we will decide when the time is there."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn has already suggested a position is available for Schumacher within the motorsport group.
"We would like him to stay involved with Mercedes," Brawn told BBC Sport last week.
"There is a lot of things he can contribute - perhaps on the racing car side but certainly on the road car side and I think that is something he would enjoy a great deal.
"I think with a few months reflection he will decide what he wants to do with the next part of his life, and I hope it is still with what we are doing here at Mercedes."
Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is to replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes from next year.
Schumacher was linked with a move to Sauber for 2013 but has decided to end an F1 career that began in 1991.
"Although I am still able to compete with the best drivers, at some point it is good to say goodbye," said the 43-year-old German.
"During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I'm not 100% for.
"With today's decision I feel released from those doubts, and in the end my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished by competitiveness."
Schumacher won 91 races in 19 seasons, helping to revive Ferrari's fortunes after he joined them in 1996.
He won his first title with Benetton in 1994 and repeated the feat the following year.
He claimed five straight titles between 2000 and 2004, before retiring for a first time in 2006.
After three years away from the sport he made a comeback with Mercedes in 2010.
However, since his return he has managed just one podium finish in three seasons, at Valencia in June.
"It is without doubt we did not achieve our goals to develop a world championship-fighting car but it is also very clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in the whole time of my career," added Schumacher.
"In the past six years I have learned a lot about myself - for example that you can open yourself without losing focus, that losing can be both more difficult and more instructive than winning.
"Sometimes I lost this in the earlier years, though you appreciate what you are able to do and that you are able to live your convictions and I was able to do so."
Speculation that Schumacher would retire at the end of the season first surfaced at the start of September, when Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone told BBC Sport that he was "sorry that he's leaving us not being a winner, because he is a winner".
Schumacher insisted on Tuesday he remained motivated for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, where he will drop 10 places on the Suzuka grid after being penalised for crashing into the back of Jean-Eric Vergne's Toro Rosso during the Singapore Grand Prix, forcing both of them to retire.
However, he admitted his decision to retire was influenced by confirmation of Hamilton's move to Mercedes.
"The special moment is that the team have found an option with Lewis that helped me find the decision, because there was an option for me to do so at earlier stage," Schumacher said.
"I was in the picture when the negotiation was going on, but I didn't want to decide; I was not sure. Sometimes in life your destiny will develop by itself, without any hard feelings and without any regrets.
"We all know Lewis is one of the best drivers we have around and I cross fingers that we will have a successful future."
Schumacher would not be drawn on what he plans to do after the season ends, saying his focus is on the remaining races.
He said: "There are six races to go - that's what comes next. Whatever comes afterwards, we'll see. There is no point and need to find any decisions right now.
"I'd do it exactly as I did it the first time, although I did not think there would be a second time. That is to focus 100% on what I do and think about what I am going to do next after that.
"I have options, and you know some of the options, but we will decide when the time is there."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn has already suggested a position is available for Schumacher within the motorsport group.
"We would like him to stay involved with Mercedes," Brawn told BBC Sport last week.
"There is a lot of things he can contribute - perhaps on the racing car side but certainly on the road car side and I think that is something he would enjoy a great deal.
"I think with a few months reflection he will decide what he wants to do with the next part of his life, and I hope it is still with what we are doing here at Mercedes."
10-04-2012, 05:43 AM
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He's too extraordinary of a talent to turn his back entirely on F1. He'd make a great strategist or principal.
10-04-2012, 08:21 AM
#3
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It's been a good run for him, but he should hang it up. Got a feeling he'll feel bored in a year and run some DTM races.
10-04-2012, 08:38 AM
#4
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I think we will see MS on the MB pit wall next season.
10-04-2012, 08:51 AM
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agreed. MBZ brought him into sportscars (via Sauber) along with Frentzen. The loyalty surely runs deep, not to mention, nationalistic.
10-04-2012, 09:13 AM
#6
2G TLX-S
Deja Vu ?
10-04-2012, 09:27 AM
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naaaah, there's no do-over this time. He's way too old (43) and less than motivated.
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10-04-2012, 12:10 PM
#8
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I don't think Schumacher is interested in running in the middle of the pack, so he probably won't return to drive a Sauber.
10-04-2012, 01:02 PM
#9
Suzuka Master
10-04-2012, 01:21 PM
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Ross will get LH in line. MBZ is growing into quite the formidable group of folks, probably all they need is a guy like Schu to bring it all together.
10-04-2012, 02:05 PM
#11
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^ IMO what MB needs is Rory Byrne. He was part of the Schumacher/Brawn/Bryne/Todt magic that gel'ed over at Ferrari. He designed all of MS's championship winning F1 cars (Ferrari and Benneton). He is sorta like a older more quiet Adrian Newey. He is still a Ferrari consultant today but he no longer chief designer.
One thing I doubt we'll see at the last race this year is the amount of celebration that occured the first time, no Mika flying in at the last minute, no thank you notes on the cars, and certainly no "Ferrari for life" speeches from MS either.
One thing I doubt we'll see at the last race this year is the amount of celebration that occured the first time, no Mika flying in at the last minute, no thank you notes on the cars, and certainly no "Ferrari for life" speeches from MS either.
Last edited by Legend2TL; 10-04-2012 at 02:19 PM.
10-04-2012, 02:28 PM
#12
Suzuka Master
^thats cool, didnt know they did that for his retirement.
10-18-2012, 08:31 AM
#13
Senior Moderator
Michael Schumacher says he will not compete in any other forms of motor racing after he leaves Formula 1 at the end of the season.
The seven-time world champion announced earlier this month that he would call time on his F1 career following a three-year stint with the Mercedes team.
Schumacher had previously retired from the sport at the end of the 2006 season, but made a return with the German squad in 2010.
While he was away from Formula 1, the 43-year-old took part in some bike competitions, including the German Superbike championship. This time, however, Schumacher says he is stopping altogether.
"No, it's not in my plans," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if he will race elsewhere. "Formula 1 offers the maximum as far as emotions, speed and work completeness are concerned.
"Another type of cars wouldn't give me the same feelings. I'm stopping here completely."
He added, laughing: "I think I'll do Western riding competitions. My wife Corinna, who has done this sort of competitions for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll go for it..."
Schumacher insisted he has no regrets about his decision to leave the sport, despite conceding he feels relieved to be putting an end to his career.
The Mercedes driver, the most successful racer in the history of the sport, says his second Formula 1 stint has taught him what losing means.
"[It is] a relief, because I have no regrets, just joy for what I've done. From now on life will offer me plenty of new possibilities. I'm looking forward to them.
"If I look into my life's rear-view mirror, I find myself happy and smiling. I've had two distinct careers: one where I won everything, and a second one where I discovered what losing means.
"Yes, I've learned how to lose, but this has made me more mature and more patient too, partly thanks to my age. Today I have to consider what I have done overall and I'm satisfied with myself."
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said: "Everyone describes me a racing legend. I prefer to be described as a fighter, someone who never backed down."
The seven-time world champion announced earlier this month that he would call time on his F1 career following a three-year stint with the Mercedes team.
Schumacher had previously retired from the sport at the end of the 2006 season, but made a return with the German squad in 2010.
While he was away from Formula 1, the 43-year-old took part in some bike competitions, including the German Superbike championship. This time, however, Schumacher says he is stopping altogether.
"No, it's not in my plans," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if he will race elsewhere. "Formula 1 offers the maximum as far as emotions, speed and work completeness are concerned.
"Another type of cars wouldn't give me the same feelings. I'm stopping here completely."
He added, laughing: "I think I'll do Western riding competitions. My wife Corinna, who has done this sort of competitions for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll go for it..."
Schumacher insisted he has no regrets about his decision to leave the sport, despite conceding he feels relieved to be putting an end to his career.
The Mercedes driver, the most successful racer in the history of the sport, says his second Formula 1 stint has taught him what losing means.
"[It is] a relief, because I have no regrets, just joy for what I've done. From now on life will offer me plenty of new possibilities. I'm looking forward to them.
"If I look into my life's rear-view mirror, I find myself happy and smiling. I've had two distinct careers: one where I won everything, and a second one where I discovered what losing means.
"Yes, I've learned how to lose, but this has made me more mature and more patient too, partly thanks to my age. Today I have to consider what I have done overall and I'm satisfied with myself."
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said: "Everyone describes me a racing legend. I prefer to be described as a fighter, someone who never backed down."
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