Why is Michael Schumacher coming back to F1?
The quiet life didn't really suit Michael Schumacher. But why now, at the age of 41, is he risking his life and his reputation by committing to a sensational three-year comeback to Formula 1? It seems the desire to compete again is just too strong to ignore. F1 Racing have spoken to experts, including Mercedes GP boss Ross Brawn and some of Schumacher's former team-mates - and they believe he'll soon be back to winning ways.
So after his damaged neck led to a failed attempt at replacing Felipe Massa at Ferrari last year, why has the sport's statistically greatest driver decided to return to grand prix racing for another three years?
"It's very simple," says Sir Jackie Stewart. "He retired too early. He never got racing out of his system, which is why he went and rode motorbikes. He wouldn't have done that if he'd been ready to retire at the end of 2006."
Schumacher's former Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello agrees: "I think he was bored and he missed driving and when Ross Brawn got in contact I don't think he could resist coming back. And my gut reaction is that he'll still be quick."
Niki Lauda returned to F1 to win a third world title after two years out of the sport and he says he saw the signs early last year: "As soon as he tested the Ferrari in August with a view to replacing Massa, I thought a full-time return was on the cards because he clearly still loves racing. When I came back in '82, it felt like I hadn't been away and I won my third race. It will be the same with Schumacher."
READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE FEBRUARY 2010 ISSUE OF F1 RACING
