According to Montezemolo, Schumacher will be with Mercedes GP in 2010
The president of Scuderia Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, revealed that there is a very, very, very strong probability that Michael Schumacher will race next year with Mercedes GP. Although there has been no official statement from Schumacher or Mercedes about the progress of negotiations regarding an astonishing return of the seven-time world champion, di Montezemolo […]
The president of Scuderia Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, revealed that there is a very, very, very strong probability that Michael Schumacher will race next year with Mercedes GP. Although there has been no official statement from Schumacher or Mercedes about the progress of negotiations regarding an astonishing return of the seven-time world champion, di Montezemolo clarified the situation as it stands today.
Speaking to certain media only during the Ferrari Christmas lunch in Fiorano, di Montezemolo clarified the situation regarding the Schumacher affair: « We spoke on Wednesday, and I hadn’t talked to him since Abu Dhabi, » said di Montezemolo.
« He called me and told me there’s a very, very, very strong likelihood of a race with Mercedes GP. That said, he isn’t 100% decided. That’s what he told me Wednesday morning. »
Di Montezemolo confirmed that Ferrari would agree to release Schumacher from any commitment to the Scuderia so he could join Mercedes GP if an agreement were to be reached. Some sources indicate that an agreement in principle has been made between Schumacher and Mercedes GP, but the situation cannot progress further because the German must be examined by doctors. Indeed, for a possible return to racing, his neck must be 100% recovered from the Moto GP accident last winter.
Once Schumacher receives the medical results that both he and Mercedes GP are demanding, the contract can then be finalized before an official announcement. Di Montezemolo indicated that it would be a new Schumacher who will continue his career with Mercedes GP.
« The real Michael Schumacher always told me he would end his career with Ferrari. »
When asked what he had said in detail to Schumacher during their conversation, the Italian thought before answering: « We must not forget that our collaboration with Michael began in 1995. In 14 years, he is more than just a driver, he is also a friend. You can agree or disagree, but you remain friends. I will not forget what he did for Ferrari and he will not forget what we did for him. »
