Ecclestone says Schumacher ’leaving’ F1

Bernie Ecclestone on Sunday hinted Michael Schumacher is set to return to retirement.

Asked by Eddie Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps about the seven time world champion’s career spanning a 300 grands prix, the F1 chief executive answered: "I’m sorry that he’s leaving us not being a winner (with Mercedes), because he is a winner."

The surprised former team owner Jordan, now working as a pundit for British BBC One television, asked 81-year-old Ecclestone if his comment means Schumacher is set to return to retirement at the end of the season.

"I don’t know, I don’t know," Ecclestone quickly replied.