Ecclestone believes Schumacher was wrong to return

Formula 1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone has explained how he believes Michael Schumacher was wrong to return to the sport with Mercedes, a return which he believes tarnished the German’s legendary status within the sport. Mr. Ecclestone believes this would have seen Schumacher remain a legendary and “heroic” figure in the sport.

Despite storming to an unbelievable seven World Championship titles throughout his career with Benetton and Ferrari, Michael Schumacher returned to Formula 1 in 2010 with Mercedes to once again work alongside Ross Brawn. Although Schumacher stated he was returning to win once again and even secure an eighth World Championship, such successes never materialized for the German.

Throughout his three season’s with Mercedes, Schumacher could only manage one podium finish at the 2012 European Grand Prix, whereas team-mate Nico Rosberg finished on the podium five times including a victory in China. In Bernie Ecclestone’s eyes, Schumacher has tarnished what was a legendary status held by the German driver.

“I would rather he had stopped as a seven-time World Champion than stopping now.” Explained Bernie Ecclestone, “People new to the sport - people who have joined the F1 fan fraternity just recently - will remember Michael now, not as he was. They don’t see the hero that he was but the human that can fail. I think the important thing is - and this is probably difficult - to know when you can’t do what you used to do anymore and then hand it over to somebody else. I hope that’s what I can do: when I feel I can’t deliver, I will certainly say goodbye.”

Some believe Michael Schumacher did not want to retire from the sport back in 2006, and that this contributed to his urge to return to the sport with Mercedes. The German’s return was unquestionably a disappointment for many fans of the sport who expected him to instantly return to his winning ways. However, there was certainly moments during his return when he shone once again, such as qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher has now once again begun testing on two wheels, and has certainly stated that his motor sport career is not over. He will be competing during the Race of Champions later this year, and has shown interest in returning once again in later years.

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