F1: Schumacher May Quit Soon

Michael Schumacher, one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, is not having fun in the sport and may retire soon, his brother Ralph told the Sport Bild Newspaper on Wednesday. “I don’t believe that Michael will be driving for very much longer,” Toyota driver Ralph told the German sports publication

In recent races seven-time world champion Schumacher has failed to get higher that second place on the podium and has not won a Grand Prix since Suzuka last October. Numerous commentators have pointed to tyres as the source of Ferrari’s problems, but brother Ralf said it was about more than just the rubber. “Ferrari have passed their zenith,” he said. “They’ve did a great job in past years but they’re not doing it anymore. Mistakes have crept in in other areas [aside from tyres]. It can be seen as a sign of weakness that Ferrari introduced their new car so late in the season. I’m not sure whether someone who has had such a successful time, as Ferrari has had, can still have the bite to fight back to the top.”

Schumacher is in fifth place in this year’s championship, 35 points behind Renault’s overall leader Fernando Alonso with 11 races remaining.