F1: Schumacher mulls future at Mercedes

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher has denied that he was in talks with Mercedes to extend his contract beyond next season on a day when team mate Nico Rosberg committed his future to the German team.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday, the seven-time world champion wanted more time to consider his future plans.

“According to some journalists, yes,” said Schumacher, who made his comeback last season at the age of 41 after a three-year hiatus.

“The reality, no. I need a little bit more time to see sort of about myself and how we are heading and some more input to see whether that is what I want or not.”

Just hours earlier, Mercedes announced that Schumacher’s team mate Nico Rosberg had agreed a new deal keeping him at the team beyond 2013.

The Mercedes drivers were special guests at the official opening of the Airport Road showroom of Emirates Motor Company (EMC), Mercedes-Benz general distributor in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and the flagship company of Al Fahim Group on Thursday.

Popular for the rotating Mercedes-Benz star on Airport Road, EMC returns to one of the first showrooms in the country.

“We have witnessed the growth of this showroom from 1964 positioning us into becoming one of the most recognised locations and brands in the emirate,” said Rashed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Managing Director of Al Fahim Group.

Rosberg’s contract extension seemed to be a cause for celebration in the camp of the all-German pairing.

“I am very excited to have extended my contract with the team for a few more years,” the 26 year-old German driver said.

“To win in a Silver Arrow will be one of the highlights of my life so far, and I greatly enjoy helping to lead our team in our quest to become the best in Formula One.”

Rosberg registered three podium finishes in his first season with Mercedes, but has been less successful in 2011 managing only two fifth place finishes in China and Turkey.

“We are delighted to have extended our contract with Nico as we know that he is a driver who can win races and championships,” team principal Ross Brawn said.

“Nico has performed exceptionally well for our Silver Arrows team over the past two seasons, achieving results at the very limit of the technical capabilities of our current car.”

Brawn expressed his belief that the partnership with Schumacher would help push the team forward in 2012 and beyond.

“He has an excellent work ethic and, together with Michael, this gives us a driver pairing who consistently push the team to improve and progress.

“We look forward to providing Nico with a car which will enable him to compete right at the front of the field and achieve his deserved first win in Formula One.”

Rosberg is seventh in the drivers’ championship on 75 points, five points clear of Schumacher, heading into Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Activity Norbet Haug also welcomed Rosberg’s decision.

“Nico is one of the quickest drivers in the field. He has a very high level of professionalism. Having Michael and Nico is just the perfect combination. Nico is pushing very hard to keep Michael on his toes,” he said.

Even Schumacher said he was happy for Rosberg, considering it the most logical decision.

“I was excited because I think Nico is doing a great job for the team and for us it’s good to have him as a team mate. The two of us naturally push ourselves together to the limit and he does that very well in many respects. I’m very excited and think it’s a perfect decision for the team to do so,” said Schumacher.

Rosberg when asked what he had learnt from Schumacher, said it was a very interesting experience.

“I think we worked very well together. That helps push the team forward. It’s a great challenge to try and beat Michael. I look forward to the challenge also for the future,” he said.

But Schumacher was circumspect about his future at Mercedes when asked what his expectations were for next season.

“Naturally to go forward from where we are. Where we are right now, to say we are going to fight the championship next year immediately is not natural. To be realistic we could probably manage a car that can fight podiums and occasional wins and from there onward we need to have continuity to build up again a winning team consistently and fight the championship. That will not be next year but things look good. We are working on the right track to build the steps upwards. I’m looking forward to that,” said Schumacher.

Mercedes is fourth in the Constructor’s Championship with a total of 145 points.

Schumacher did not seem to be short on motivation either after being enticed back into the sport by Mercedes.

Asked what drives him now as compared to when he was much younger, he said” “Basically pure will and excitement what Formula One can give to you.”

“Yes, I have been tired obviously doing for 16 years. I had three years off time and then came the offer from Mercedes to return. This particular combination sort of gave a big input. It’s a very exciting challenge that I’m facing and enjoying,” he said.

But he refuted reports in the German media that he had negotiated an extension with Mercedes.
 
“It is clear that it doesn’t change at all my own thinking and process of having the way that decides the future,” he added.

Schumacher, who notched up five successive titles with Ferrari, has not been back on the podium since he retired from Formula One as a Ferrari driver in 2006.

Despite a mixed performance this season, bouncing back from a crash in Korea to finish fifth in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, Schumacher is weighing his options since Mercedes has not been quick enough to challenge Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari for victories.

“In the end yes there will be something, but most important is - do I feel it? Do I want it or not? That is something we will find out in the future. Not right now,” Schumacher insisted.

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