Weber, Schumacher’s historic manager, retires from F1
The former long-time manager of Michael Schumacher, and more recently of Nico Hülkenberg, has announced that he is retiring permanently from Formula 1.
Historical manager of the Schumacher brothers, Michael and Ralf, Willi Weber was nicknamed at the time “Mr. 20%” because he benefited from this percentage on everything the seven-time German world champion earned financially.
More recently, he had become involved, without much success, in managing Nico Hülkenberg’s career. But Hülkenberg’s dismissal by Williams at the end of the 2010 season had cost the German manager his position. The young German driver, now back in a starting role with Force India, had blamed Weber as the main reason for his situation at the time.
Weber will celebrate his 70th birthday this weekend in Mallorca, but he notes, however, that even though he has kept good contacts with the Schumachers, they will not be present at the party to celebrate this event: « I met Michael in Stuttgart recently, and we did not talk about Formula 1. I hope our relationship continues in that direction. »
He also specifies his definitive withdrawal from the world of Formula 1 by stating that he would not return under any circumstances. Even if Sebastian Vettel calls on him? « No thank you, even in that case. I’ve succeeded with the best drivers in the world, that’s enough for me. »
