Could Schumacher come out of retirement to replace Massa?
Could Michael Schumacher pull a Lance Armstrong and unretire back to the sport he so dearly loves and was almost impossibly successful at? If reports coming out of Formula One-obsessed European media outlets are to believed, the 40-year-old, seven-time F1 Driver's Championship winner is in the running as a possible replacement for Felipe Massa, who suffered a life-threatening head injury during the qualifying sessions at the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to Luca Colajanni, a spokesperson for the Italian racing team:
We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out... We have two test drivers at Ferrari (Luca Badoer and Marc Gene) at the moment and Michael is an advisor. We have not spoken to him, but it is possible that this might happen. But we will have to wait and see what happens. It is something for (Ferrari team principal) Stefano Domenicali to consider over the coming weeks.Even under the best-case scenarios, Massa will undoubtedly miss the European and Belgian Grands Prix, after which a four-week racing hiatus will allow Ferrari additional time to assess its numerous options. Sabine Kehm, a spokesperson for Schumacher, hasn't ruled out the possibility that Schumi could make a short-term return:
It's really up to Ferrari. They must first decide what they want to do. And if they decide to ask Michael, they would then talk to him and he would think about it. But the decision could be just as well negative.Further complicating the issue are some concerns over Shumacher's physical health following an apparent motorcycle crash back in February. Regardless of whom Ferrari chooses to put in the newly-vacated driver's seat, we join Schumacher himself in again wishing Felipe Massa a speedy and full recovery.
[Sources: The Press Association, USA Today | Image: BacardiLimited]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mike7 4:34PM (7/28/2009)
That would be exciting to see the Stig racing F1...again.
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Mike7 4:43PM (7/28/2009)
In all seriousness, it's unfortunate what happened to Massa and I hope he has a speedy and full recovery, but it would be fun to see what Schumi can still do.
Tony 5:13PM (7/28/2009)
LOL, I saw that episode of Top Gear too.
PumaGTO 5:59PM (7/28/2009)
I believe Felipe would be honoured to see Shumy put his helmet back for him... Kimi in the other hand...
Weaksauce 12:55AM (7/29/2009)
He was temporary Stig.
He was non-testicles-for-eyes stig.
And when I read the title of this article, all I could say was:
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.
I don't know if he could dominate like he did. I don't know what he can do with THIS engine + KERS. But I'm dying to find out.
Mazdamia 4:37PM (7/28/2009)
You better not you smug bastard. Let the kids have a chance!
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Karan Shah 4:38PM (7/28/2009)
Ferrari has (potentially) lost both of its drivers by the end of the season, if Massa's full recovery isn't possible. It's almost certain that Raikonnen's leaving. I wonder if they'll try to get drivers from other teams.
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hyundaifans.com 7:50PM (7/28/2009)
Word has it that Alonso will be driving for Ferrari next year.......
moa 6:57AM (7/29/2009)
and kubica is looking for team for the next year...
why not the LS2LS7? 4:43PM (7/28/2009)
I pretty much figure he will.
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Majarvis 5:43PM (7/28/2009)
No, he won't. But I wouldn't expect someone who doesn't follow F1 to understand that.
He last drove an F1 car in 2008, and has never driven the drastically different 2009-spec cars. Also, as pointed out in another article, he no longer possesses a Formula One Superlicence. He injured his neck in a motorcycle crash earlier this year, and, while still incredibly fit, is no where NEAR as fit as he was when racing. He would be expected to win, and nothing else would do. Those are all ingredients for failure, which he just doesn't put himself in the position to do. Ever.
Majarvis 5:44PM (7/28/2009)
Oh, and also, Marc Gene is doing straight line and pit stop testing at Vairano next week.
Majarvis 5:45PM (7/28/2009)
Oh, and also, Marc Gene is doing straight line and pit stop testing next week in Vairano. 'Nuff said.
James 5:50PM (7/28/2009)
Having followed F1 a bit over the past few years, I doubt Schumi will come back. He's ridiculously competitive (Damon Hill should know) but even watching him on Top Gear recently, you could tell he's taken it back a notch. You think he would have let Top Gear spoof his lap in the Liana if he wanted to show up all the other F1 drivers?
Brad 5:53PM (7/28/2009)
I don't think he will either. He's been out of the regular scene for so long. I just don't think he wants to dedicate himself the amount of time that it will take out of his schedule.
As far as the new car, I don't think it would really take him long at all to adjust to it but the banning of testing would mean that it would take longer than normal.
why not the LS2LS7? 9:22PM (7/28/2009)
Majarvis:
I do follow F1. But I'll take your word on the points you make.
Note that under Part I.5.1.h of the FIA rules, he could have a superlicense by thursday.
Majarvis 10:28PM (7/28/2009)
To "why not the LS2LS7?"
I apologize for thinking you don't follow F1. However, that part of the code states:
"h): (exceptionally), has a record of results which is judged
sufficient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted."
Herein lies the problem. Unfortunately, Schumacher has not driven at least 300 km in a current F1 car within the last 12 months, over a maximum period of 2 days. With F1's current testing ban, this is a significant roadblock. If they adhere strictly to those guidelines, he would not be granted a Super Licence.
Redline 10:58PM (7/28/2009)
I also think he would not return for fear of tarnishing his reputation. The Ferrari is not really competitive this season, he might have a huge fight on his hands. Yes he is the best F1 driver ever, but if I were him I would keep that in consideration.
tankd0g 12:41AM (7/29/2009)
He's driven an F1 car as recently as 2 weekends ago, changes are, he'll be racing shortly.
why not the LS2LS7? 2:26AM (7/29/2009)
How do you think other drivers enter F1? If Schumacher wanted a super license, he would apply and someone would dig up a car for him to drive and he can do 300kms in a couple hours. I do understand F1 heavily restricts tests, but there are ways to get someone in a car for the purpose of getting seat time within the rules. And honestly, if it weren't possible within the rules, it still would happen if Schumacher and Ferrari wanted it to. They'd just find a way to do it.
The maximum period of time is no issue. There's no minimum time, he could just do 60 laps of Monza, stopping only for tires and to refuel. It'd take 3 hours tops.