“My departure from Formula One will probably be less emotional for me
this time than in 2006, when we were still fighting for the title and
everything was much more intense.
“This time around I will be able to pay more attention to my farewell
and hopefully savour it too.”
Schumacher departs, however, with his legacy intact, if not a little tarnished
by his three barren seasons with Mercedes.
His return at the start of 2010 was fanfare stuff, and there was hope of
success given Mercedes had just taken over 2009 world champions Brawn GP.
Certainly with Ross Brawn at the helm, the man who had played a part in all
seven of Schumacher’s titles – two with Benetton and five with Ferrari – it
seemed only a matter of time before he would win again.
But in 57 races with Mercedes, Schumacher has managed just one podium – that
earlier this year in the European Grand Prix in Valencia where he was third.
Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mercedes have not scored a point in their
last five races, and Schumacher is currently on the worst drought of his
career with a six-race pointless run.
It casts a shadow over his string of records, not just his titles, but also of
his 91 race wins, 155 podium finishes and 68 poles.
For Schumacher to depart this time around, he would like it to be with a small
semblance of dignity.
“I have had fantastic years in Formula One and a lot of support from
fans around the world, and I wish to particularly thank them for that,”
added Schumacher.
“Of course, I would be happiest if I could say goodbye with a strong
race, and I am sure we will be doing everything we can to make it happen.”