Schumacher cancels Formula 1 return
August 11, 2009 by George Skentzos
In what is sure to be disappointing news for fans and critics alike, Michael Schumacher has cancelled his planned return to Formula One in place of the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.
On his official website, the seven-time world champion released an official statement citing a prolonged neck injury sustained after a bike accident in February as the reason behind the decision.
His temporary return to Formula 1 had always relied on the results of a medical evaluation, although few would have guessed that this would have posed a threat, as Schumacher has remaining active with Ferrari Motorsport, despite being in retirement.
“I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.”
Schumacher personally informed Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that he would unfortunately not able to step in for Felipe yesterday evening.
“I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races.”
Fractures in the area of Schumacher’s head and neck have been deemed too severe to endure the stresses caused by Formula 1, hence the decision to withdraw from a possible return.
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Perhaps the worst news I’ve herd all week. Would have been a cracker few races with A Stig on the track….
It’s a shame, apparently he just isn’t sure if his neck will cope with the g-forces, and with the other teams not letting him find out by refusing to allow him a test day, he made the only sensible decision
What a shame… was really looking forward to seeing him drive again, but I guess he did all that he could.
it sucks but the whole thing was a hoax in the first place because they had sold jack all tickets to the next race! i bet after the first announcment they sold crap loads n all those punters r left to be disappointed!
Bummer.. sounds like his pain in the neck’s really turned out to be a pain in the neck..
Heh…Ferrari are now going with Luca Badoer, who has been a test driver for Ferrari for, like, forever. As someone on one of the F1 forums pointed out: Statistically, Ferrari have replaced the best driver in F1 history (1,369 points in 250 grands prix) with the worst driver in F1 history (0 points in 56 grands prix).
Pity about Schumacher. Apparently his head wasn’t spinning at the thought of driving in F1 again, it is just always like that since the accident…:)
It was never going to happen. It was a ploy to get Shuey into the F60, to see why it is such a dud. When Williams and Red Bull opposed this, suddenly his neck was crook.
oh well, gives him a chance to get his ego ready for the 3 car regs being touted by ferrari for next year…………
Ben Larden – It was common knowledge about Schumachers neck before they even applied to test the F60, also are you suggesting Massa’s accident was all a conspiracy to get Schumacher in the car? Because without the accident Schumacher wouldn’t even be in the picture.. seriously have a think about what your saying before you say it
Ive said it once and I’ll say it again: Rally beats F1 senseless for excitement.