Michael Schumacher will retire from racing in Formula 1 at the end of 2012.
The 7 time world champion announced the move on Thursday at the Suzuka circuit, the scene of his first championship win for Ferrari in 2000. This follows the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would fill his spot at the team for 2013. (See bottom of article for speech)
Rumours swirled earlier in the week, stating that Sauber were interested in hiring the German for 2013. He was also linked with a return to Ferrari, but the news now opens up those seats even more.
Schumacher initially retired from the sport in 2006, announcing it at Ferrari's home of Monza. He spent time working for Ferrari in a behind the scenes role, and also tried his hand at other motorsport formula. However he still had the racing bug, and returned to the sport in 2010 with Mercedes. His return has not been the spectacular story predicted, with Michael scoring 1 pole position and a best result of third place at this years European Grand Prix.
Schumacher said on the announcement "We did not achieve our targets but I can be happy about overall achievements in my career. I would like to thank Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, the team, my engineers and my mechanics for the trust they put in myself. I would like to concentrate now on the end of the season and enjoy those races with you."
He explained that his enthusiasm and energy had also started to fall away, saying I have been thinking for quite a while (about this), we had a three-year agreement, hard to keep motivation and energy - it's natural you think about this more than when you are young. I have had my doubts for quite a while whether I had energy to [carry on]. I said in 2006 my battery was empty and now I am in the red zone. I don't know if there is time to recharge them - but I am looking forward to my freedom. I have no hard feelings. In a different way we achieved a great deal... Now I will do exactly as I did the first time - to finish and focus 100 per cent on what I do."
Schumacher is the most successful F1 driver of all time, but has now taken the step down for the second time. Could we see him return for a third time? I doubt it. In my view, it is a shame that he has left as he is a great driver and provides some fantastic action on track, but it also helps unclog the backlog of young drivers waiting for their chance.
Here is a video of the speech made by Michael when he announced his retirement.
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
Rumours swirled earlier in the week, stating that Sauber were interested in hiring the German for 2013. He was also linked with a return to Ferrari, but the news now opens up those seats even more.
Schumacher initially retired from the sport in 2006, announcing it at Ferrari's home of Monza. He spent time working for Ferrari in a behind the scenes role, and also tried his hand at other motorsport formula. However he still had the racing bug, and returned to the sport in 2010 with Mercedes. His return has not been the spectacular story predicted, with Michael scoring 1 pole position and a best result of third place at this years European Grand Prix.
Schumacher said on the announcement "We did not achieve our targets but I can be happy about overall achievements in my career. I would like to thank Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, the team, my engineers and my mechanics for the trust they put in myself. I would like to concentrate now on the end of the season and enjoy those races with you."
He explained that his enthusiasm and energy had also started to fall away, saying I have been thinking for quite a while (about this), we had a three-year agreement, hard to keep motivation and energy - it's natural you think about this more than when you are young. I have had my doubts for quite a while whether I had energy to [carry on]. I said in 2006 my battery was empty and now I am in the red zone. I don't know if there is time to recharge them - but I am looking forward to my freedom. I have no hard feelings. In a different way we achieved a great deal... Now I will do exactly as I did the first time - to finish and focus 100 per cent on what I do."
Schumacher is the most successful F1 driver of all time, but has now taken the step down for the second time. Could we see him return for a third time? I doubt it. In my view, it is a shame that he has left as he is a great driver and provides some fantastic action on track, but it also helps unclog the backlog of young drivers waiting for their chance.
Here is a video of the speech made by Michael when he announced his retirement.
1 comment:
Sad day..
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