Schumacher could be racing beyond 2012!
Michael Schumacher is open to the possibility of continuing a second career in Formula 1 beyond his current three-year contract with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion has, in fact, signed until the end of 2012, at which point he will be 43 years old. However, he states that retirement at that age is not guaranteed. […]
Michael Schumacher is open to the possibility of continuing a second career in Formula 1 beyond his current three-year contract with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion has, in fact, signed until the end of 2012, at which point he will be 43 years old. However, he states that retirement at that age is not guaranteed.
« The good thing is that Mercedes believes in me and is giving me a chance for three years to succeed, » said Schumacher in an interview with the German newspaper Bild. « But that does not mean that I would leave the sport after three years. »
The German admitted that the emotion stirred by his return was so great that he could easily stay beyond his current contract: « I thought about everything very carefully. I was happy for a while in my retirement, but I couldn’t imagine no longer being in the race. »
Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn stated today that the team knows it cannot rely on Schumacher too far into the future. This is why they are eager to develop his teammate Nico Rosberg as the main championship contender: « Michael came out of retirement, but we must accept the fact that he will return to it sooner or later and then we will have Nico, » Brawn explained on the official Formula 1 website.
The next big step in Schumacher’s comeback will take place on Monday, when he tests the 2010 Mercedes for the first time.
