Schumacher Not Quitting Formula One

Topics:  Michael Schumacher

VOA Breaking News
September 24, 2010 at 3:25 pm

Star German driver Michael Schumacher says he has no intention of quitting Formula One at the end of the season even though he has been struggling.

Since his return from retirement this season, the 41-year-old seven-time champion has finished no higher than fourth and is currently ninth in the world drivers’ championship standings after 14 races.

Now competing for Mercedes, Schumacher has come under pressure since his comeback after failing to keep up with the young drivers on the circuit, even countryman and teammate Nico Rosberg, who has consistently been faster.

Questions about his future came to a head this week when Flavio Briatore, former director of Benetton and Renault, told German media that he feels Schumacher’s return was “a huge mistake.”

A defiant Schumacher said, “you can’t get rid of me,” adding he is motivated to win an eighth championship.

He said contending for a championship with a new team takes time, just like it was with his previous stints at Benetton and Ferrari.

Schumacher made his remarks to reporters ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix. The Singapore race will be a new experience for the German. This will be the first time for him to race at night under floodlights and he thinks it will be an “exciting adventure.” Some information in this story was provided by AFP.