Return of Michael Schumacher: the reactions

Ross Brawn believes Michael Schumacher is quite capable of winning in Formula 1. The one who will be 41 next January had retired at the end of the 2006 season but is convinced he can return to the level he had reached before his departure.

« I asked Michael this question, and he is the best judge, » said Brawn. « I trust him, and he told me that he can do it. He has always been his own spokesperson; he knows himself what he is capable of. I am very comfortable and confident about Michael’s return. »

« I have kept in touch with him over the past few years and I saw his disappointment this summer when he couldn’t drive a Ferrari. We are extremely excited at the prospect of Michael being part of the team. »

He believes that the Schumacher/Rosberg combination will provide the team with everything it needs to achieve new successes: « Having a seven-time world champion in our team speaks for itself, and I am eager to work with him. Now that our driver lineup is complete, we can focus on all the preparations for the new season. I believe we have the most exciting duo in Formula 1 with Michael and Nico, who offer the perfect blend of talent, experience, speed, and youth. »

Lewis Hamilton hailed the return of Michael Schumacher to Formula 1 and admitted he is eager to race alongside the seven-time world champion. The Briton has never raced against Schumacher in F1 since the German retired in 2006 and Hamilton arrived in 2007.

“It’s great news,” declared Hamilton. “It’s fantastic to have Michael in Formula 1. I used to watch him race when I was in the junior categories. I always hoped to be in F1 while he was still there. I’m really looking forward to seeing him on the track.”

« He’s a legend and a really nice guy. I’m happy for him because he once again has the chance to do the best job in the world. I wish him all the best. »

The director of the McLaren team, Martin Whitmarsh, believes that Schumacher’s return is a huge boost for Formula 1: « I think I share the feeling of all F1 fans worldwide in saying that Michael Schumacher’s return is fantastic; it heralds an exciting 2010 season. »

« I have no doubt that Michael has carefully examined this possibility from every possible angle and still possesses the faith and determination necessary to succeed in Formula 1. Obviously, Michael is a seven-time world champion and has absolutely nothing to prove. It will be fascinating to see what he can achieve in a new team. »

To Michael, Norbert [Haug], Ross [Brawn], Nick [Fry] and everyone at Mercedes GP, we extend our warmest greetings. We look forward to 2010.

Nico Rosberg is very excited at the idea of racing alongside Michael Schumacher in 2010, even though he knows it will be a difficult challenge to be the teammate of a seven-time world champion. Rosberg signed with Mercedes GP well before the German. It was clear he had no say in the choice of his teammate and showed no sign of concern about working alongside such a driver.

“It’s fantastic that Michael is back in Formula 1, and he will also be my teammate at Mercedes GP,” said the German. “It’s a great challenge for me to be alongside one of the greatest drivers of all time. I’m sure we will form a very strong duo that hasn’t lost any speed. It’s also excellent news for our sport and the fans.”

For Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher will have little trouble regaining the form that made him a seven-time world champion. And for good reason, as Lauda himself won two world titles after a three-year break: « It’s a sensation for the small world of F1. It’s perfect because Schumacher will once again be teaming up with Ross Brawn. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be competitive from day one of his return. »

« Taking a three-year break for a driver of this caliber is not a problem. I am very pleased with the reactions of Hamilton or Vettel. This competition between generations will add a lot to F1. Michael will be ready from the first day and will be at the highest level as he used to be, because a world champion does not lose his abilities. »

Gerhard Berger, a former rival of Schumacher, added: « It is excellent news, it is excellent for F1. He will be competitive from the start of the season. He will aim for the top positions. I have no doubt about his fitness. His decision is not a surprise to me. »

Michael Schumacher’s brother, Ralf Schumacher, who also looked into the possibilities of a return to F1, stated: « Fundamentally, it’s a surprise to no one, but it’s a great thing for Michael, of course. I’m happy for him because it’s a great offer, I would have accepted it too! His chances depend on the whole package, but by working with Ross, he can be very optimistic. »