When seven time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher made the announcement that he would return to race in F1 trumpets blared, fans danced in the street and even Bernie Ecclestone cracked a smile.
After all here was one of the most popular figures in the sporting world returning to a motorsport that seemed to lack a visible hero, making a return to a team guided by Ross Brawn who had recently dominated the sport fielding a world champion of his own and who now enjoyed the factory backing necessary for success in Formula 1. With the addition of Nico Rosberg the German super team appeared ready for supremacy.
The reality for Schumacher and the rest of F1 has been far different however. Schumacher has yet to step onto a podium after a race, although he came one position away scoring fourth place finishes three times in 2010. Teammate Rosberg scored three podiums in 2010, but has yet to finish better than fifth this season, although he did surprise everyone with an outstanding fourth place run at Canada Sunday.
Schumacher said this past weekend in Canada that people can’t expect a team to have success right away.
“We are in the process of building something new. I am sure that Ross and I know how things are built internally and the approach of this team is in the right direction," Schumacher told local media.” Red Bull needed four or five years. With Ferrari that period lasted for five years. We cannot play with some magic."
The famous driver is now quickly nearing a crossroads; Schumacher’s three year contract with Mercedes GP is set to end at the end of next season. Whether he stays in the cockpit or not is something open to speculation, including that of Schumacher himself. Several reports have Schumacher extending his contract for another two years beyond the original agreement. However a German newspaper is quoting Schumacher as saying he will be done racing, again, at the end of 2012.
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