Felipe Massa, Luca Badoer, Michael Schumacher, 2009

Official: Schumacher to make F1 return

2010 F1 season

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Michael Schumacher will return to F1 with Mercedes Grand Prix, the team has announced.

The seven-times champion will form an all-German line-up with Nico Rosberg in 2010. Schumacher said he was “totally fired up for next year”.

He will be re-united with Ross Brawn, who guided Schumacher to all seven of his world championship victories at Benetton and Ferrari.

Speaking to the BBC Schumacher confirmed he was offered the deal in November and insisted that being able to work with Brawn was an important factor in his decision to return:

There was no other combination I would like to work for. Ross is a long-term friend and together we have both won races we shouldn’t have.
Michael Schumacher

In a statement on his official website Schumacher said:

Until recently, I was absolutely sure that I had ended my career as a race driver at Ferrari. But sometimes things change suddenly and unexpectedly. All of a sudden, the framework conditions aren’t the same anymore. At that point, you have to reconsider the decisions you’ve made. And, to tell the truth, the failed comeback attempt last summer gave me reason to reconsider my situation. I was surprised myself how fast and how strong I committed myself to this topic again. Apparently, my batteries recharged completely during the last three years. And when – thanks to Ross – the opportunity arose to drive for Mercedes GP, I realized that my old motivation was back, full of fresh energy and great force.
Michael Schumacher

Schumacher drove for Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship from 1990-1991, during which time he got his F1 break with Jordan.

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He now has the chance to add to his record tally of wins (91), pole positions (68), fastest laps (76) and, of course, his seven world championships.

Since failing to return to F1 this year as a substitute for Felipe Massa Schumacher has kept busy, racing karts in Las Vegas (against Nelson Piquet Jnr and Sebastien Buemi) and winning Massa’s annual karting challenge in Brazil.

What’s your reaction to Schumacher’s return? Are you glad he’s back – or do you wish he’d stayed in retirement? Leave a comment below.

Schumacher and Mercedes

Author information

Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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209 comments on “Official: Schumacher to make F1 return”

  1. I’m really glad, it’s gonna be pretty interesting — Schuey fighting wheel-to-wheel against Ham!

    1. I really don’t know what I’m looking forward to most – Schumi vs Hamilton, Schumi vs Vettel or Schumi vs Ferrari

      1. This is unfair to younger drivers and especially Rosberg who will be compared with the same car. There is no win situation for them. If they lose from him then people will say how much better he is and that they can’t even win him at 41. If they kick the hell out of him then no one is gonna say they are great. People are gonna say that they won him because his 41.
        This is all in his benefit. It seems kind of unfair. I’m also sorry for poor Nick. He lost his change to drive for first time in his career in a possible winning car.
        If i was Hamilton for example, i would be glad to go wheel on wheel with him if he still got it but i would like people to recognize that i beat him fair and square if i win and not give me “it was because his old” crap afterworlds.

        1. I disagree about Nico and Nick, if Nico kicks the crap out of him he will be an F1 hero. Doesn’t matter that he is 41. If he doesn’t well….that’s his fault.

          Nick has had his chance to be great and has always just been consistently decent. He is not losing out because of another driver, he is losing out because of his performance.

          I do agree with you about Hamilton, and I think that extends to a few others. It will be hard to say ‘Hamilton beat Schumacher and is therefore better’.

          Overall, this just adds to a really interesting season.

        2. If they kick the hell out of him then no one is gonna say they are great. People are gonna say that they won him because his 41.

          I don’t agree – this is still Michael Schumacher and I don’t believe he would be coming back if he weren’t completely convinced he can win.

          1. It’s not about him not being prepared, am talking about what people will say. Let’s say he loses from the new stars on the grid despite driving good and not losing his speed. Will anyone say. A! yeah it’s obvious they were better that him? No. They will look at the number of championships, his fame and they will say: He must not be as good as he was.
            Even if himself insist that it had nothing to do with his age people will say that he doesn’t want to admit that his not as fast as he was and that his getting old.

          2. Just like in 2006 when Alonso beat him.

    2. This is great. The legend returns. To top it off he is back with ross brawn. It is going to be a great season. I am also glad they are doing away with refueling. I was so sick of the fuel strategy helping to dictate a race win. Now it will be more about the driver and car instead of “strategy”.

  2. IF he really is coming back, I’ll be glad (even though I’m a Ferrari fan) but I won’t believe that until I see him at the grid at Bahrain.

    1. It’s an official statement from him and the team. The guy signed a contract. What more do you need?

  3. Woop! Looking forward to the new season.. 80 days and counting.

    2010 is going to be an epic train of WDCs unable to overtake each other in heavy fuelled cars!

    1. Ha ha good one :P

    2. 2010 is going to be an epic train of WDCs unable to overtake each other in heavy fuelled cars

      oh ye, of little faith

      1. He has a point though. I’m sure the wet the races will be amazing, as the WDC’s will actually be able to overtake each other. Bring in sprinkler systems, I say!

  4. HE’S BACK!

  5. I’m a Ferrari fan. I would have preferred to see him again on the Rossa…but I’m so happy for his come back that I will support him, all the same.

  6. And yes, and exciting season is going to start!!!

  7. can’t get a better b-day present.. all hail the king!!

  8. F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!! I’m glad he’s back, of course. However, as a Felipe Massa fan, I get worried and excited. Next season will be the best in history:

    1) A complete German (and successful) team, with a senven-times world champion;
    2) A complete British (and successful) team, with two world champions;
    3) The ban of refuelling;

    Oh God… can’t wait to next season.

    1. The familiar sight of germans against the english.
      Can the english win for a third time in a row :P

  9. you’re gonna ruin your career Michael. leaving Ferrari is errr…. you know, dumb decision.

    1. Losing a few races for Mercedes doesn’t equal minus 91 wins or minus 7 world titles so errr… you know, dumb statement.

      1. lol ye i second that,,, plus Mercedes is a SUCCESSFUL team. Its under Brawn management and look at what is possible from the 09 season. I don’t think its that obvious that Ferrari is superior to Brawn (Mercedes GP).

    2. well, It’s not like he’s pursuing a ‘carrer’ anymore. At this point he can do whatever he wants just for fun. Nothing’s gonna ruin his record.
      I just think that it’s just one less seat for a new aspiring driver, that’s the only part I don’t like.

  10. I am still surprised Schumacher is coming back to F1, I thought if he ever decided to return it would only be with Ferrari, but then they don’t have a spare seat available.

    Although I am not a fan of his I am glad he is coming he is returning as it will add to the competition in F1, four World Champions on the grid in 2010.

    Although I don’t think he will be at his peak I think that he should be able to beat Rosberg over the course of the season and win a few races.

  11. what a brilliant season next year will be,

    Jenson and lewis at Mclaren
    Massa and Alonso at Ferrari
    Vettel in a strong red bull
    Schumi in a strong Merc

    6 people capable of winning the WDC (in theory)

    1. How dumb will we all feel if the WDC is not in a Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren or RedBull!

  12. I don’t like Schumacher at all, but I’m still really excited that he’s coming back.

    But now that the driver I love to hate is at an all German team… well let’s just say as a Brit I won’t be supporting Mercedes next season

    1. Does this mean that Merc will become your most disliked team and not Ferrari now? :P

      1. Well if they start getting the treatment Ferrari was getting when he was there, then i guess many people will hate Mercedes.
        OMG i just remembered that his old buddy Todt is the head of the FIA.
        No one is gonna bother Mercedes to reduce the engine revs now.

        1. So Merc will have free reign to improve their engines you say….hmm who else would benefit from that?? Why yes, Jenson and Lewis… Ho-ho-ho…sorry, got carried away in the Christmas spirit, meant to say Mwah-ha-hah…

      2. Perhaps they will… when I decide I’ll let you know!

        I think there’s a big element of patriotism in who I do and don’t support. One of the reasons I’m anti Ferrari is that they are effectively the Italian national team. Now Mercedes are the German team, and being English I’m inevitably ever so slightly anti German!

        1. Yey a chance Ned may hate Ferrari a little less …good day :) :P

          1. I don’t hate them! Hate is a strong word… I just have a significant disliking of them!

        2. Don’t mention the war !!!

          …oooops…

  13. So it’s British Mclaren-Hamilton-Button vs. German Mercedes-Rosberg-Schumacher. That’s gonna be a fight.

    1. I hear the faint sound of the Dambusters in the background….!

    2. vs Latin Ferrari-Massa-Alonso.

      1. ‘National teams’

        Mercedes= German
        Ferrari= Italian/ Latin
        McLaren= English
        Force India= Indian
        USF1= American
        Lotus= Malaysian

        Formula 1 is starting to resemble A1GP!

  14. Great,all we’ll hear from the race commentators for the fisrt 6 races will be Schumacher this Schumacher that.
    There will even be a new betting window open for how many times the name Schumacher is mentioned during n F1 broadcast.
    There’ll be one first though . It will be the first time in F1 broadcast history that a midfield runner will get more airtime than the leader.

    1. Great! I am tired of hearing Button this Button that….

    2. Do you have great predictive powers by which you already know how everyone will do next year? Seriously, let us in on some of it, we’ll go place some bets.

      1. What? You never heard of the famous “Zeke crystal ball”. It’s a famous all around the world.

    3. Agreed. It’ll totally be like that. Schumacher overload!

      1. Maybe to compensate when ITV was into Lewis this Lewis that….afterall Michael is not a british rookie and is truly the most suscessfull driver in history.

  15. Poor old Nico.

    He probab;y didn’t expect to be number 2.

    It’s great news though!!!!!!!

    BRING ON 2010!!!

    1. Not too bad for Nico long term though as Schumi isn’t going to be around for all that long and he should learn a lot from him (like Massa did) and should also benefit from experience in developing and setting up the car. Nico has to focus on his first win before worrying about championships and he should finally get that this year.

      1. JerseyF1, if Nico does what you say then he will end up being another Barichello. Great drivers don’t sit back and try to learn from the other guy. They always do everything they can to kick the other guys butt.
        Did Schumacher ever sit to learn from the more experienced drivers, did Senna,Hamilton or Alonso did such a thing? No. Because when you willingly start playing number 2 then that’s what you are gonna be for the rest of your career.

    2. yeah if I wa Nico I’d be pi**ed off!

    3. He didn’t pursue McLaren because of having to fight Lewis on home turf.

      Now he has to fight Schumacher!

      Poor Nico!

      1. Still better than Hamilton. Hamilton’s ability is a certain fact for him. But Schumacher still has a question mark of possible decay because of age.
        When you are screwed ether way you might as well choose the one that has some hope of turning differently that what people expect.

        1. case montgomery
          30th December 2009, 14:52

          decay becouse of age, listen to yourself, I wonder how old you 22 24. dont be an idiot, just becouse I dont like mikey, or the way he would drive people off track every chance he got dosen’t mean much, this year will differ greatly. he will need the best car to win any races, lets not forget ross is the man. these new kids will not be in awe of mikey. they will just wax his but. not becouse he is 41. the game has changed mikey should stay home.

  16. More like, poor bloody Heidfeld. I hope he gets a seat at Sauber after all this .

    1. yeah he should do.

  17. This I can’t wait to see. No doubting he’s very good, but how much of that was down to complete bias in the team towards him? If Barrichelo was on equal footing would he have won so much? He’s certainly one of the best, but not as good as his records suggest. How much has been down to dirty tactics? I wish him well and think he will be in a very good car, but I think he will simply be outclassed by a Hamilton now with much needed experience, Button finally in a hopefully good car, Alonso (again), and an improved Massa. Should be quite a season!

  18. Now the only thing missing is a pardon for Briatori and Simmonds. Then we could have that perfect team:
    Commercial Director: Briatori
    Technical Director: Brawn
    Key Technical Personnel: Stepney, Coughlan and Simmonds
    Driver line-up: Schumi and Alonso, with Piquet Jr. as a reserve.
    Don’t worry, in case they step out of line, Jean Todt would be there to keep an eye on them.

    1. LOL!!!!!
      You might friend just created the most epic team ever!!
      All this guys will be so perfect together. And let’s not forget Bernie is always there. I also suggest they put Mosley as a team advisor now that his no longer in the FIA.

      1. just add Dave Ryan, the ex mclaren sporting director (of Australia 2009 fame) to your team.

    2. LMAO. Schumi car would be purple and even get the “Double Zero” number in his car. It would be the Mean Machine 00.

  19. So where does this leave Rosberg and Heidfeld?

    First of all, did Rosberg expect to be Schumacher’s team mate when he signed? If so, surely it lays to rest any suggestions that Rosberg didn’t go to McLaren because he didn’t want to be Hamilton’s team mate? If he’s happy to have a team mate with seven world titles surely he’s got nothing to fear from someone with one…

    As for Heidfeld, where’s he going to go now? Will he be Kobayashi’s team mate at Sauber?

    1. Heidfeld for Sauber I’d say. They need experience and Nick has worked with them before. Big shame because he has beaten Robert twice and this could have been his chance at a win.
      As for Nico, I think he would have been happy just to progress from Williams at a team with a chance to win and score some serious points. If anyone would be uncomfortable it would be Lewis or Schuey seeing a ‘new’ challenger because they are used to getting the wins. Although I think they would beat Nico and be fine with his as teammate. I don’t think he did know about Schuey until the rumours kicked off because in an interview a week or so ago he seemed well like the legend was coming back and his chances of winning we getting slimmer. Poor Nico

    2. Unless someone on the inside comes out and says otherwise, I don’t think Rosberg had any idea that Schumacher would be joining him at Brawn/Mercedes when he signed.

      From the rumours it seemed that Rosberg was going to Brawn/ Mercedes a bit before the end of the season while it still seemed certain Button would be his teammate.

      Rosberg’s main worry now will be whether Schumacher will be the clear No.1 like he was at Ferrari, but hopefully both drivers will have equal status at Mercedes.

      Hopefully Heidfeld will manage to get a drive for next season, unless Sauber need a pay driver I would be surprised if he doesn’t end up as Kobayashi’s teammate.

    3. I did say MS was going to Merc before Button even left…
      I did also mention Heidfeld should be grateful there are a heap of new cars next year because he wouldnt have a drive if they werent there.

      If I am Sauber I’d say there’s the door…cya
      I wouldn’t the scruffy hairy diving miss daisy elf any where near my car.

    4. excellent comment Keith.

      First of all, did Rosberg expect to be Schumacher’s team mate when he signed?

      I’d say hell no! He must be feeling little on edge at the moment.

      As for Heidfeld, where’s he going to go now?

      Heidfeld must be ******. I feel sorry for him because I really think he has something more to show and deserves and opportunity of a good car. But Ion the other hand im not sorry Schumacher has joined Merc…

  20. Is anyone suspicious that Schumi left Ferrari once Alonso came in….

    1. I think it’s more telling that Di Montezemolo kept on harping about the need for a third car so they could let Schumacher race.

      I think when Schumacher made the mental switch to take Massa’s place and race again, he got committed and now feels the need to go through with it.

    2. Schumi’s got an old score to settle with Alonso in 2010…

      1. Yeah, well they first have to make certain that a young black guy doesn’t mess up there duel.

  21. Well at least we have a couple of new/rookie drivers for 2010. Seems F1 likes to live in the past.

  22. I hated the guy back when he was racing for Ferrari, and I’m going to hate him now. The thing is I also missed him like hell and I’m very, very glad he’s comming back.

    1. I know exactly what you mean. Strange isn’t it?!

      1. It’s simple actually. Now the races will be more fun now because you got someone you really hate and when he loses you will be very happy about it.

        1. He’s long been the driver I’ve loved to hate! Love him or hate him, F1 just hasn’t been the same since her left. And while I have never been a Schuey fan, I am salivating at the thought of him going head to head with Hamilton. I am also salivating at the thought of him going head to head with Ferrari. How many more sleeps until Bahrain? This summer is going to be torture !

  23. This is quite wonderful news.

    My respect for Ross Brawn has gone up tremendously – here is a man not only brilliant at orchestrating on-track results and building a wonderful team, he’s managed to land two major sponsorship coups and a sensational return of one of the greatest drivers of all time. His pragmatism and strategic foresight are evident outside the race track too.

    A retrospective on how the driver market jumps (Button jumping to McLaren etc.) enabled this result would be interesting.

    1. Agreed about Ross… Honda must be wondering how he’s managed all this in just twelve months. I’m so chuffed for the Brawn team that Ross has turned 2009’s fairy tale into a solid stable future.

    2. agreed bout Ross too.

  24. What’s all this about an ‘all-German team’? The Brawn – sorry, Mercedes – car is engineered and the team is run from Brackley, and the engines come from Northampton: both were still in GB last time I checked. The Team Principal is also British. Nico’s Dad is Finnish, Michael lives in Switzerland….and Mercedes’ largest shareholder is from the Middle East. German in name only. McLaren, however, in genuinely British in all respects apart from the drivers having taken themselves overseas to live, and they defy the British sporting norm by winning.

    1. As of 2007 Mclaren was 40% owned by DaimlerChrysler, 30% by the Bahrainis, 15% by Ron Dennis and 15% by Mansour Ojjeh

      1. yeah, thats just ownership though. Mclaren were still like 80% british. (the rest being Mercedes engine staff)

      2. The 40% of DaimlerChrysler is gonna be sold back this year.

    2. Yeah well to be honest you can hardly call McLaren setup a British dream team because it is all powered by a German engine.

      Schumacher for the 2010 WDC!
      Mercedes Benz for the WCC!

      1. because it is all powered by a German engine

        a German engine designed, engineered and built in England…by what used to be Ilmor

    3. By this logic, Renault and Red Bull are british teams, while Toyota was a German team. And this is not true.

    4. who cares…it’s all a global village. I am getting sick of all the ‘all British’ huff….

      Theres a reason merc left mclaren, the main reason they were sick of having the merc brand dragged thru the mud….

  25. Brackley Postal Workers to go on strike due to exponential increase in Love and Hate mail adressed one M.Schumacher C/O Mercedes GP Brackley

  26. Awesome. Much maligned and reviled, Michael Schumacher’s career record, to date, speaks for itself. Alonso, Hamilton and Schumacher on track together – couldn’t get much better in my book.

    Can’t wait for testing to begin. Hope and pray that Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes all manage to produce the cars that these great racers deserve.

    1. And Button, right? To bad Kimi is gone…

  27. That adds a whole new dimension to the 2010 season. 4 WDC’s, F1’s most successful driver comin back into the sport, can’t wait!

    I’m pretty sure the British press are licking their lips at the prospect of the all German Mercedes team fighting against the all British McLaren team…

  28. Snore, he’s had his run, if you’ve won 7 world championships what else to do have prove. It’s just one big massive ego trip.

  29. Snore, he’s had his run, if you’ve won 7 world championships what else do you have prove. It’s just one big massive ego trip.

  30. I guess this means the German GP will surely be sold out lol. Welcome back Michael…

  31. Wow, didn’t think it would happen but it has. Very good news for F1 and Mercedes GP and even though I never liked him very much, I’m happy and excited at the prospect of seeing Schumacher battle it out on the grid with the likes of Hamilton and Alonso next year. Such a shame Kimi’s not there….
    And poor poor Heidfeld, he best get that Sauber seat now.

    2010 is going to be epic!

  32. Mike "the bike" Schumacher
    23rd December 2009, 12:33

    Schumacher vs Senna

  33. It’s great news for the sport and the fans for sure! It’s going to be interesting to see him back. The last 2 years he was an active driver Fernando Alonso was the better of the 2. With Hamilton and Vettel we have 2 more drivers who can match their speed, but not their consistency so far. Should be exciting!

    I’m disappointed for Nico Rosberg though. Judging by the stories of Rubens Barrichello (He’s a winer, I know, but still) it’s almost certain we still won’t see how good Rosberg really is. He’s almost certainly going to be the second driver at that team. Sure, Schumey is experienced and Rosberg can probably learn a thing or 2, but he already drove F1 for 4 years now. To become Schumey’s little helper is kind of a waste of his potential, at least for another year (and he wasted 4 already!). One can only hope Ross Brawn will indeed treat them as complete equals, then we’ll see the difference.

    If they do treat them as total equals we’re going to have an interesting season. Alonso in a Ferrari, Schumacher in a Mercedes, Hamilton in a McClaren, Vettel in a Red Bull. Their teammates are also potential WDC’s (except maybe Webber). Also, let’s not forget the arrival of the new sensational Nico Hülkenberg. It’s going to be very interesting to see how he does at Williams. That car wasn’t that bad the past year. However, with the superdrivers mentioned above, he’s going to be one of them but probably not next year. Let’s see how he does against Barrichello. I think Kubica should perhaps reconsider. Renault gave Alonso probably the worst car of the field last year. Let him go back to Sauber, where he can team up with yet another very talented youngster, Kamui Kobayashi! Also, I’d like to know where Quick Nick Heidfeld will end up.

  34. Couldn’t be more delighted by the return of one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. Rejoining Champions – Button, Hamilton, Alonso and Champions in waiting – Vettel, Massa, Webber, Kubica – a dream grid. (Pity Kimi s not there too)He’s also spearheading the return of the legendary silver arrows in partnership with the man who has masterminded more championships than he has – Ross Brawn. Can’t wait for next season!

  35. Mike "the bike" Schumacher
    23rd December 2009, 12:38

    Hopefully this time Schumi wont have so many controversial “accidents”.

  36. I do agree, add Kimi and it would be perfect. Heidfeld in a Sauber-Ferrari wouldn´t be that bad, as it is the the 2010 BMW F1. Except from the 2009 modell their rides were very competitive.

    1. yeah I agree that the Sauber car should be competitive too. They have proved to be a team with a good eye for development (not necessarily good at big rule changes- 09)

  37. Poor Heidfeld, shafted again…!

    Oh well, should be interesting to see whether he’s still got it. It would take a brave man to bet against him doing well!

  38. I‘ve dicided to the Shanghai Prix in 2010
    I’m really excited to see him back again

  39. STRFerrari4Ever
    23rd December 2009, 13:10

    YES!!! my favourite driver of all time is back and with my favourite Car Manufacturer! :D
    2010 will be out of this world Schumi,Alonso,Hamilton,Vettel,Massa,Button,Rosberg! :D I’m ready to see some action!!!

  40. After all this talk about Rosberg I would just like him to show a 10th of what he claims he has. I can’t think of a more overrated driver in the last 30 odd years.

    1. You mean Schumacher or Rosberg?

      A little bit difficult to know Rosberg’s true potential with the car he had so far, no?

      1. It’s funny how everyone posts that it’s the driver that is fast when he is winning, but then it’s the car that is slow when he is not…..

        1. haha good one!

  41. Great… now my Die-cast collection celebrating his “last race” and “last win” are worthless!!!

    1. maybe not about the last win

  42. Well… We’ll see another battle that has happened a little bit more than a decade ago…

    Senna vs Schumacher

    This time it is Senna nephew instead of the great Senna himself… would be interesting to watch

    It would be nice if Prost’s son, Nicholas will join F1 grid soon.

    Then the 3 great names will unite… oh, and Mansell’s either son, Greg or Leo…

    Plus the others’ sons…

    Anyway, pretty sad the Cheater returns to Formula One, but oh well, it might be some good news to put the ugly side of F1 during 2009 in the shadows…

    Can’t wait for March 2010!

    1. I don’t think Senna will fighting with anyone except guys like Glock with the car his gonna have.

    2. I’m yet to see a son of a Champion to do great at F1 so I don’t think all this sons is a good idea.

  43. I didn’t like Schumacher last time either, but I want see him up against Hamilton. I don’t think there will be a lot of love lost between them as the season progresses.
    I think that Ross will give both drivers equal status, certainly until one driver takes a strong lead. Ross and Mercedes have a different work ethic to Ferrari!

    1. wow, didn’t know it will more than a year and an option of possible 3 years, that is amazing

  44. Welcome back, Michael Schumacher, a household name and advertising name in Malaysia in the good old Ferrari days. I use to see the Schumacher cardboard figure at Shell when Michael was at Ferrari, should I see the same figure in Petronas gas station, certainly not in red perhaps green? The first race next season will be a sell-out due to the Schumacher magnetism, his debut after a long absence from the F1 racing scene. Hope he not crash into somebody and somebody take him out in the first race because fans will like to see how he complete his FULL first race of the season.

  45. wow 4 world champions plus vettel and massa, 2 almost champions – all in top teams with good packages, it’s going to be a VERY good year next year, excited already!

  46. I wonder what his helmet will look like, his original white/blue + german flag he used in the beginning of his carreer?

    1. I wondered about that too.

      Hope so. Maybe with silver instead of white.

    2. im sure a new one will be designed to match Mercedes colours

  47. He was made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Interesting that Schumi will now close out his career with the brand that he started with. He will be competitive because the car will be competitive. Who is the loser in all this? Nico Rosberg! Schumi will be the defacto number one. You know he will. This will stifle Rosberg’s career unless, of course, Nico can out race him from the get-go and take control. Doubt that will happen though. Regarding this being bad for younger drivers that other comments indicate should “get a chance”. Are you kidding? Who would pass up an opportunity like this? It is a marketing dream for the team. No one on the grid will generate publicity like Schumacher. There are other world champions, but no 7 time world champions!

    1. Regarding this being bad for younger drivers that other comments indicate should “get a chance”. Are you kidding?

      Exactly. This is not a school fair where every body has a turn. It’s competition at the highest level. If Nico wants to be number 1, beat him.

    2. If you want to Race against someone who has been and still is the best driver on the planet, you need to drive against Schumi. The rest are all “Also Rans” … Why is everyone talking about Schumi so much ??? … It’s simply because he is so damn used to running from the front. If he was somewhere in the back, no one would have even bothered to talk about him. I sit in front of my T.V to watch quality F1 driving and there’s none anywhere in Schumi’s league to make the experience of watching an F1 race a completely thrilling one. If Schumi leaves F1, I’d rather watch “discovery channel” ….

  48. Oh yeah….the other loser in all of this is Nick Heidfeld. He really got screwed.

    1. ? he never was in line for the seat…The reason he has been so quiet is because he is struggling to find a seat from anyone….!!!

      Heidfeld to USF1 is the hot tip I have heard. And to add this was on for quite some time.

  49. I think this has got to be the biggest thing to hit F1 this decade without doubt.

    Next season was going to be a stunner with him – now we have the greatest driver of all time to top it off …

    1. It’s not going to happen this decade…

      1. Technically, it is, as there was never a year ‘Zero’. Besides “A Singh” was talking of the Schumacher signing, which DID happen this decade …

  50. Great news but when he wins the podium will be all wrong. (no Schumi anthem)

    1. Now you got me wondering. If Schumi win a race will he conduct the British anthem as he did with the Italian?

  51. Wish Kimi was still in F1. 5 WDCs on the track!

  52. As I’ve always thought, Schumacher’s come back will be good for the sport. But, I think it won’t be good for him… Strange that, with Kimi out of the contest and being a Ferrari fan I have no choice but to support Alonso against Schumi! It was just opposite couple of years back :)

    However, the grid will have much more talent next year! Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton, Schumi, Button… $ champions and a likely to be… can’t wait for the season to start. Vettel will remain my pick in the lot, and Ferrari will be my team!

    1. Agreed, 100% Go Alonso, Go Massa!!!

  53. What an exciting off season! 2010 should be great!

  54. This is cool. I read his Q&A on F1.com and it sounds a lot like Mark Martin (NASCAR). He was burned out, took a break and was AKSED to return, I like to point that out. Now is batteries are charged and we get to see him back on the grid. With a three year deal I will get to see him race when I move to Germany. This should help boost ticket sales to so this is good all around for all I think

  55. I think it will be great to see MS line up against the youngsters but:

    My money will be on Vettel in the Red Bull,

    Fastest car fo much of last year

    Consistant driver line up

    No big manufacturer to stick their oar in

    No engine change

    Brilliant youing driver.

    I say this even though I am british and I wish Button and Hamilton well, personally I think MS is a bit of a side show and am worried that Brawn has sold out so much to Merc.

    With negotiations so drawn at with Brawn I think Button felt he had to take the McLaren slot to make sure he had a decent drive atall.

  56. Pedel to the Vettel
    23rd December 2009, 16:49

    1: Ross Brawn
    2: Michael Schumacher
    3: Funds from Mercedes
    4: Engine from Mercedes
    5: How can anybody not think he has a chance to get number 8-9-10 within those 3 years with the other things above.

    1. correct. he has a very good chance…

    2. Chance, yes, but no more than Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel…

  57. Exciting times.

  58. Can some one tell me how to change the symbol of my avatar ……..i need to change it from a Ferrari to a Mercedes symbol!!!!!!From a 13 year die hard Ferrari fan to a merc fan within 10 mins of hearing the news…

  59. Well,I guess Heidfeld will lose his shot at ever having a proper car because Schumacher wants to come back and grab some more glory.I hope he is beaten badly by half the field.

    1. You mean you think Heidfeld would do better in the same car?

  60. This is great news, and it will be fantastic to see him in a competitive car up against Button and Hamilton. Roll on 2010!

  61. Rosberg will wipe the floor with M.S.

    1. Please, show us your highly trained team of researchers to give some insight into that fact, will you?

      1. They’ll be back to enlighten you after the Xmas break. suffice it to say, he’s too old to handle a whole season. I reckon by Monaco he’ll quit.

        1. Reckon this, reckon that, but nothing you reckon is based on anything other than the fact that it’s what you want to happen.

  62. Pedel to the Vettel
    23rd December 2009, 18:39

    I still think both Schumi and Rosberg will be treated the same when it comes to the WDC title. But it’s just when everybody thinks the same: Schumi + Ross Brawn = 1 horse team for the title, but that was with Ferrari and i think Mercedes just want both drivers to do the best not just one.

    so if the car does start to look good and your into betting choose Rosberg over Schumi because i think they will be both equal the whole way this coming season because mercedes are looking more to the future then just the 2010 season and Schumacher.

  63. Amazing news, the man’s a legend & his motivation ain’t money or career advancement, just glory so should be good sport!

    Also a cheat on occassion, we mustn’t forget.

    Lewis must be gagging for a race a against the master, roll on 2010 indeed. A trip to Silverstone for a last peek is in order I think..

    1. he doesnt cheat on occasion, he cheats as easily as he breaths!!!

      1. he doesnt cheat on occasion, he cheats as easily as he breaths!!!

        No!!! GMac was right! On occasion!!

  64. I will admit,the prospect of watching Schumacher go up against Alonso in a Ferrari and watching him go up against Hamilton in a Merc powered car is promising.I still hope he is beaten though.

  65. 2010 is going to be a real firecracker. when is the last time f1 had 8 cars and drivers in legitimate contention? that would be tough to match, even in the 60’s.

  66. feels like michael jordan’s second come back out of retirement (if any of u are familiar with the nba). a few good races in a couple seasons but mostly average amongst the young guns. still exciting for the sport and fans nonetheless!! Although i would assume a 40yr old playing basketball would be more tiresome than a 40yr old racing a car.

    1. I see this more like jordan’s first comeback….

      1. Eddy or Micheal? :)

  67. I disagree with people saying this is a disaster for Nico. I actually think this is one of the best things that could happen to him. Under the tutelage of Schumi we could see Nico develop into the race driver he should be. Massa came along in leaps and bounds by having Schumi by his side, and I expect that Nico will do the same. I’m sure Schumi will be effectively mentoring Nico, so while Nico may be outperformed by Schumi, expect Nico to improve greatly and in a couple of years be a really fantastic driver because he had Schumi as a teammate and mentor.

    1. under the tutelage of schumi he is going to learn how to be amazing bossy, not listen to anyones advice, and cheat and get away with it.

      would you like to be teamed up with somone like him!!

      1. Thats a personality thing. We haven’t seen Massa pull much (or any) of that. In fact we’ve seen Massa normally act with a high level of humility and sportsmanship.

  68. Schumi vs Hamilton – woo hoo! I can see the pair of them along with Fernado dominating the podiums next year. As much as I would love to see Massa up there, i have a feeling that it’s going to be a 3 horse race.

    Going to my first British GP this year :-)

  69. i for one are very much not pleased he is back. the guy should have left the sport and gotten lost!

    he thought he was above the rules of F1 and could basicaly get away with anything, his team would work entirly around him switching cars to make him seem better than he was. and then of course there was times when he would just blatently cheat, and just get a slap on the wrist where anyone else would have gotten banned.

    i’m not saying the guy wasnt a great driver, the things he could do with the car in the wet was amazing. howeever he was a losey sportsman who wanted everything to go his way and would do anything (legal or not) to get it.

  70. Today is my birthday,I am planning to visit 2010 Malaysian GP,what better treat do you need for these?
    I am glad,& hope he provides us with some entertainment.
    There are many young driver’s growing in the paddock,but with the master returning it will be fun.

    Schumacher was asked whether he’s tested in Mercedes GP simulator. Said “No, only tested in my own personal one” How cool is that!

    1. Happy birthday Wasi! Have a cracking time in Sepang next year.

      1. Thanks Keith,hope the time be the best of my life.

  71. he man is back in town.
    Make way for the big guy

  72. “Your powers are weak old man. You should not have come back.” I think we’ve heard this before. I say bring it on. This will be the first time in a while we’ve seen multiple, capable drivers in seemingly capable cars. Hopefully the engineers will be just as capable. Finally, we’ll see the Schu without driveraids. He’ll have to use the Force.

  73. It is a great news for formula one as i know many people who left watching formula one after the retirement of Micael Schumacher.So f1 will be at its peak of popularity as he will bring lot of fans along with him.with 4 worldchampions on the gruid.2010 is goin to be an epic season.i really doubt he is going to outperform hamilton or alonso.but given a good car he can rule the field again.

  74. Absolutely Awesome news that Schumi is back, (huge fan, followed MS since SC to F1 & beyond)lets not forget that Schumi is one of very few (now current) F1 drivers that has experience running on heavy tanks & on slicks, although the latter are a lot narrower than he raced on in 92-93 seasons. it is also brilliant that we see the current & very well deserved Champ Jenson Button compete in a simular engined car against the great Schumi, we’re in for some amazing racing. Rock on 2010

  75. i cant wait for march……inspite iam a fan of massa,i hav to appreciate schumi for his brave decision……….

    1. people seem to forget that all schumacher did was cheat and then throw tantrums when he didnt get away with it.

      1. people seem to forget that all schumacher did was cheat and then throw tantrums when he didnt get away with it.

        All he did was cheat? The comments are actually getting more stupid, can you believe…

        1. can i believe what? that people would support a cheater over a sportsman!! that is what sports are supposed to be about arnt they, who can do the best on a (roughly) level playing field. when one person is not playing by the rules, to me he doesnt warnt anyones support.

          1. You’ve ranted on and on, but haven’t justified “all schumacher did was cheat”. But I will stop now. I won’t feed a troll. Not one who can’t spell “aren’t”, “warrant”, or even use capital letters.

  76. Just can’t for Hami vs Alonso vs shumi and all will be in potentially race winning cars.

  77. No Human is a Saint so stop calling Schumi a cheat.

    I’m a great fan of Michael Schumacher, Kimi and Lewis. I’ll be missing Kimi next year. For me next year, it’s mouth watering to watch 2 of my fav. competing and that too with the same Mercedes engines. I would be jumping with joy when either of them wins the championship and yes they will definetly.

    In 2006 Michael Schumacher was pushed into retirement and in 2009 Kimi was pushed into WRC by Ferrari. I’m a McLaren/Mercedes fan. I’m not against Ferrari fans but you all Ferrari fans think once about the wrong judgment of your team. In your Ferrari I would like Massa to be ahead of Alonso. When is March 2010 going to come? Waiting……

    1. pull your head out of the sand the man did cheat, he just didnt get pulled up for it because he waas so popular.

      im not saying he wasnt a good driver, especially in the wet. but he is also very selfish, pompus and bossy. how many of his wins were becaause his team made the other driver move over. im sorry but thats not a sportsman in my book.

      im not saying dont support the man, but dont kid yourself that schumi is in the same league as the other two you like when it comes to being a good sport.

      1. how many of his wins were becaause his team made the other driver move over.

        Hardly any.

        1. Still, more than others, that’s for sure.

          1. thank you, somones got sense

          2. Yes, maciek, more than others, but we know what useless point “ad” is trying to prove.

  78. Totally shocked that hes coming back didnt see this at all

  79. let the season begin

  80. where does this leave rosberg….he really needs a no 1 drive in a winning car.

  81. Michael will be very competitive in 2010! So of course will be Hamilton and Alonso. The biggest question is who will have the best car to fit the new rules and tires.

  82. How about a little reality check to end the year…

    As most of us seem to have forgotten, or been too young to experience, one M. Schmacher had a very long career quite liberally laced with unsportsman-like behavior, which is a kind of ultimate understatement.

    The good news is that the powers that be at MB will certainly expect/demand behavior more appropriate to the icon he has become…a conversation that Ferrari could never quite manage.

    We are not going to be treated to MS duelling for wins and the championship because…(you can fill in this gap yourself)…try, Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso, Massa or Button!

    And, don’t worry about Nico. He won’t be seeing much of his teammates tail lights. In a word, youth will be served. And if anyone thinks MS will act as a mentor, you need to grab a dictionary…mentor is generally mentioned as positive attribution.

    Admittedly this is a good move for Mercedes-Benz.

    They will reap the world wide media coverage surrounding Michael’s return, and MS won’t need to be leading the field to generate copy. If he is unable to keep up then reasons for his retirement will be manifest, especially to Michael himself.

    Age is an unrelenting task master, even for the sporting genius of this ultimate champion.

  83. great to see shuee back in action after his retierment,2010 is going to be a great seson with shuee and mercedes

  84. I am absolutely THRILLED.

    F1 without Schumi to me was like the sky without the sun. I lost interest in F1 when he retired, and always wished, he would retire from his retirement and race again. Well, my wish has come true.

    91 wins din’t seem right. It has to cross 100. I think now it has a chance to.

  85. I think this unretirement will be more Michael Jordan than Lance Armstrong.

  86. I think that Michael decided to unretire when Ross showed him the sketch of triple diffuser. Or a quadriple one…
    Brawn’s hat is full of rabbits and he will breeze Schumi to 100 wins and 8 championships.

  87. Mickey O'Toole
    27th December 2009, 1:41

    I think it can only be good for F1. There are more teams, the playing field is much more level (altho I would like to see refuelling still, & revs limited to 20K, or more), & a good array of driver abilities. I am a McLaren fan, but most importantly I love to see the top drivers drive at their very best in the best cars. Can we try & weed out all the races/tracks where overtaking is impossible.. there are so many :-(
    This includes my own Australian race. Overtaking at 300+km/hr is something to behold!!!

  88. Mickey O'Toole
    27th December 2009, 1:46

    And I must admit, I always thought Michael retired too early. Was he pushed into it.. I don’t know. Either way, considering the issues of 2009, & talk of a breakaway, it will be a season to behold!!!

  89. I dont like Schumacher, never have never will. At 41 hes going to need his eyes tested so he doesnt miss the Mclarens of Hamilton and Button. speed pass him on the track. Mclaren all the way!! British team, British drivers VS The Germans of Mercedes.

    1. It is a present for other drivers that schumi will be in the same truck with them that hamilton, button and alonso can learn some from him

  90. Well I had left watching F-1 since Shumi left but, now I am looking forward for next Seasons as things are poised nicely as person (Alonso) who took is Tile last time he raced will be lead racer for Ferrari…
    n’ also new World Champion Button n’ former champion Hamilton n’ Kimi things are surly going to heat up this season………….
    I can’t wait for 1st round to begin…..

  91. Well I had left watching F-1 since Shumi left but, now I am looking forward for next Seasons as things are poised nicely as person (Alonso) who took is Tile last time he raced will be lead racer for Ferrari…
    n’ also new World Champion Button n’ former champion Hamilton things are surly going to heat up this season…………
    But, I will miss Kimi for sure……. why?? you left Kimi WRC!!! Citogen What the hell went in your head….

    but anyways, I can’t wait for 1st round to begin…..

  92. schumi is the best driver ever I don’t think any other driver will come like him in 100 years or more.

  93. we can say from now nico rosberg will be the new champion of the future because he will learn a lot of things from schumi

  94. I think that he is only taking the chance of Ross Brawn. You are who you are til you die, and he is a racer. This is good for F1. Well done¡¡,Good luck Schumacher. Never say never.

  95. Dominic De Leon
    6th January 2010, 17:35

    i am more than happy that Schumacher is back in the F1 game!!
    now we really see lots of action…

    yippy!!!!
    loving this year’s F1 season can’t wait for it to star.

    HAPPY NEW EVERY1… :-)

  96. Comment? Okay, This is inspirational to me. Here is a guy that even in a “slump” has more of a gift than I will ever have even in peak performance. That being said, nothing is ever really over when so much potential still exists.

    Rock on Shoomy!

  97. that’s the news i am waiting since the news about him to replace Massa’s place. Welcome back Schumi.good luck!

  98. the legend has returned to the sport that made him famous, im glad that schumi has cameback and that he has ditched ferrari for a german team( mercades-benz ) its going to be an awesome, wheel-to-wheel battle for the title with schumi batteling the current world champions, lewis and jenson, this is gonna be a great year for all the teams with the new regulations , its going to test the drivers and the teams, it seems like this year ig going to be a white knuckle ride for the veiwers!!

    1. DAMN RIGHT !!!!!!!! See my comment, glad to know we will be watching together somewhere on this big blue orb

  99. Michael Schumacher is one of the greatest athletes who has ever lived or ever will live. He is a great sportsman, a great man, and his personality is a delight 24/7 365 decade after decade. His committment to increased safety in F1 cannot be overstated, his tap-tap incident with Villeneuve notwithstanding. Every F1 driver should view his return as their luckiest day, since they can face the challenge of learning from and fighting against the 7 time WOrld Champion. If he doesn;t win, the car builders and teams will all be learning like crazy from having to deal with him. The pressure on them will be incredible! There isn’t a day that goes by I don;t think about Michael Schumacher whether judging others in other fields or experiencing the joy of high skill driving I have learned from watching him and his myriad esteemed driving competitors. I only wish Mika would come back, too.

  100. Just seeing Michael behind the wheel is motivation enough for me to start watching my beloved F1. I think its going to be interestin to see him try out for number 8…….Go Schumi, i’m watching every race this season

  101. well done it will be good to see back on f1 CANT WAIT good luck xx

  102. That is truly actually effective for what I’m seem at now, many many thanks a bunch.

  103. It’s so intresting to read the comments from 2009/2010 on this and now we’ve seen schui race and he isn’t half as good as he was… so sad…

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