Schumi: “I'm still very motivated”

Michael Schumacher could continue in F1 with Mercedes, at least for another year. This is what emerges from an interview given by the former Ferrari driver to the German press.

The seven-time World Champion had a three-year contract with the Stuttgart team which runs out at the end of this season: Mercedes Motorsport boss Norbert Haug hopes Schumi will stay, but the driver himself has proven rather lukewarm on his future plans. But now he seems to reveal that the passion for racing has not yet faded: “I'm still satisfied with what I do”, he told German magazine Sport Bild in an exclusive interview. “So far, however, I have achieved very little from my second experience in F1”, referring to the only podium achieved at the European GP two weeks ago and the pole obtained in Monte Carlo.

But precisely that podium in Valencia, behind Fernando Alonso's Ferrari and the Lotus of another former Ferrari driver like Kimi Raikkonen motivated him further. “There have been no talks between Mercedes and me about a possible contract extension, but these talks will certainly take place.”, spoke about the negotiations. He then added: “I'm still very motivated. Only time will tell how long.". F1 fans still have much hope.

Lorena Bianchi