9/12/2006

Schumacher Retires

The announcement finally came.

Perhaps history's greatest Formula One driver, Michael Schumacher, announced his retirement.

At the conclusion of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the seven time world champion said this would be his last season as a race driver. I thought his choice of words were curious.  He didn't say he was retiring from Ferrari or from F1.  He said he was retiring from driving.  Which means he's not going to another team or even to another series.

Even two-time champion Mika Hakkinnen drives in other series from time to time.

I just don't see how someone as competitive as Michael Schumacher can just walk away from all motorsports. Come to America Michael!  You can drive in Champ Car until you're sixty years old.

Judging from the body language between Michael and Ferrari chief Montezemolo, I believe Michael was forced out.  Which is incredibly short sighted on Ferrari's part.  No one has sold more Ferraris in the past years than M. Schumacher.

There will always be another hot-shot young driver to take Michael's place in the coming years.  No need to get rid of him just to sign Kimi Raikkonen.