Fri, May 25 2012

Michael Schumacher makes dramatic return to Formula 1

Thu, Jul 30 2009 10:12 CET 8058 Views 33 Comments
Michael Schumacher makes dramatic return to Formula 1

Seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher has made a shock return to Formula 1 to replace his injured fellow Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, it was announced on July 29 on Schumacher's personal website.

The German legend retired in 2006 and is now aged 40, but the magnetic pull of Ferrari and Formula One racing was simply irresistible for the world's most successful driver of all time, who has pledged his allegiance to the team in times of crisis, and will pit himself against the young lions of the sport, in particular Lewis Hamilton and the 11 years younger Jenson Button. Schumacher is set to return at the European Grand Prix on August 23 2009.

"It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me," said Schumacher in his personal website. 

"It is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. And as the competitor that I am, I very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Schumacher indicated that his return is only to help the team for which he won five of his titles and, in particular, Massa with whom he developed a strong friendship as a fellow driver and as his personal mentor. "I will stand in for as long as Massa is sidelined by the serious head injuries he sustained in the Hungarian Grand Prix last week" Schumacher said.

"For team loyalty reasons I can not ignore this unfortunate situation," said the former Ferrari driver.

Reportedly, before announcing his decision, the German checked that Massa's condition was improving and asked if it was OK if he used his car until the Brazilian could return. Massa had told Schumacher "no problem".

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Comments

Anonymous Huzzy Mon, Aug 10 2009 15:11 CET

F1 is boring ever since SCHUMACHER left..but now with him back on the wheel its g0 g0 g0 SCHUMyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous Happy Fri, Jul 31 2009 23:20 CET

I haven't seen many races in this season,maybe 1 or 2,but there's no way I'm gonna miss this one!!!Can't wait for 21st

Anonymous JJ Fri, Jul 31 2009 17:30 CET

I predict that ME will eat his words. Shumi will make F1 worth watching again.

Anonymous missterry0 Fri, Jul 31 2009 00:13 CET

I have been bored with the sport since Michael retired. This is the best news ever. Kimi has been such a disappointment, gives up if things are not going his way. Get well Felipe but so pleased to see the Champ back to help his team and his friend.

Anonymousmissterry0Fri, Jul 31 2009 00:13 CET

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Anonymous b kenyon Thu, Jul 30 2009 19:08 CET

In response to "ME" who commented that it was a great day for F1 when Michael retired needs to stop being a hater and get a grip. I too hope Massa has a full and speedy recovery. It was thanks to Michael that Massa kept his ride at Ferrari. If Michael didn't retire when he did Massa was out. He's a great driver, friend, and team player.

Anonymous miswayz Thu, Jul 30 2009 17:05 CET

so awesome!!! get well massa ^^
woo we get to see the schu again :)

Anonymous jeff Thu, Jul 30 2009 17:00 CET

may the force be with you shumi

AnonymousjeffThu, Jul 30 2009 17:00 CET

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AnonymousjeffThu, Jul 30 2009 17:00 CET

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Anonymous Ramesh Sheodin Thu, Jul 30 2009 16:15 CET

Cannot wait to see you on the track again!

Anonymous William Thu, Jul 30 2009 16:14 CET

Me, you're a fool!

Anonymous Me Thu, Jul 30 2009 16:02 CET

Are you lot on drugs? Don't you remember the Micheal Schumacher that cheated his way to dubious victory after dubious victory with the luck of the devil? It was a good day for F1 when he retired and I really hope Felipe gets back to racing soon. Schui doesn't stand a chance against the real racing drivers of today.

Anonymous Luke Thu, Jul 30 2009 15:04 CET

The article said it all, he is only replacing Massa, so don't expect too much from him. I agree if he was in his prime years he would've beat those youngsters no time, but he's already 40. Watching Schumi battles with Raikkonen, Hamilton, Button, Vettel will be a valuable experience. Whether Schumi wins or not, F1 wins, and the fans wins. Welcome back Michael and Get well soon Massa.

AnonymousLukeThu, Jul 30 2009 15:04 CET

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Anonymous Maurice Dempsey Thu, Jul 30 2009 14:54 CET

More history in the making - I am like a 57 year old child waiting for Christmas, haven't been this excited in years.
Thank you Micheal Schumacher

Anonymous Graham UK Thu, Jul 30 2009 14:41 CET

Schumacher never had any competition and never drove anything but the best car. This will show us how talented the young guns now on the grid are and will probably see Raikkonen beating a team mate for a change..

Anonymous b kenyon Thu, Jul 30 2009 14:15 CET

I have been a huge fan of Micheals since the early 90's and always felt he left way too soon. In a year that has been, let's face it, crappy, finally something very exciting and positive. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to come!

Anonymous Namibia Thu, Jul 30 2009 14:13 CET

Best of the world no one will ever challenge you....welcome Schumiiii

Anonymous SallyKate Thu, Jul 30 2009 14:05 CET

Brillant - can't wait until Valencia - WTG Michael!

Anonymous Marco Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:43 CET

Welcome home!!!

Anonymous Chetan Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:23 CET

Go Schummi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous HOCKERS Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:22 CET

Get in there

Anonymous JAK Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:20 CET

Long live Schumiii

Anonymous YaaaaaY Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:19 CET

Phew! Wooooooooohooooooooooooo!!

Anonymous ali sepang malaysian Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:01 CET

good luck schumi.u are the best F1 driver in the world.thank you schumi.

Anonymous Waleed Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:01 CET

i meant fast paced. sorry

Anonymous Waleed Thu, Jul 30 2009 13:00 CET

by far the best news of the F1 year for me. and hats off to his courage for saying yes to this face paced game even at the age 40

Anonymous F1 Loony Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:59 CET

Who cares...greatest race on earth, just booked my tickets for Spa! Camping at CampingF1, think I got in just in time before the sell out!!

Anonymous mendi Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:54 CET

I cant wait to to see him drive again this its the best news since he left and make F1 interseted again thnx SHUMIIIIIIIIIIII.

Anonymous Ax Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:38 CET

The legend Returns!

This is just what F1 needs!!



Anonymous f1 fan Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:27 CET

im really pleased micheal is back hes the best driver in the world. get well soon felipe, lets go ferrari.

Anonymous Tom Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:13 CET

Wishing and praying for Massa's quick recovery.Entry of Michael will bring a whole new dimension to the sport and I wish him well.I had hoped to see him compete with Hamilton one day. My dreams come true and cant wait.

Anonymous F1 fan Thu, Jul 30 2009 12:03 CET

totally agree. he should show raikonnen who's boss

Anonymous ohgeek Thu, Jul 30 2009 11:57 CET

I can't wait to see him. Return of the legend.

Anonymous Ave f1 fan. Thu, Jul 30 2009 11:53 CET

I cannot wait I hope he gives Kimmie a wake up call as I don't think he tries hard enough,I've always been a Schu fan , Good luck Ferrari and Michael.

Anonymous DomF1 Thu, Jul 30 2009 11:13 CET

Fair play! It seems that his loyalty to Ferrari is solid and I admire him for wanting to help Ferrari get through this difficult time. A true sportsman and someone I can't wait to see return to the track.


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