Sparking rumors of an impending retirement announcement, Mercedes GP's Michael Schumacher admitted for the first time that he'll evaluate his situation once the 2011 season concludes.
“I arrived at Mercedes with a specific task: not winning at all costs but to grow the team,” Schumacher told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“If anything, I am the problem: it is a fact that I am a bit more relaxed than before and I do not know if my mind-set is right for this team. I have experience, I can estimate when it is necessary to concentrate. In some time we will evaluate whether to continue or stop in F1,” he added.
The German, a record seven-time world champion, returned to the sport with Mercedes GP in 2010 - signing a three-year deal. However, since his return he’s failed to set the tracks ablaze.
Di Resta likely replacement
As news of Schumacher's comments broke, it also emerged that Force India's Paul di Resta could be the likely replacement for the German veteran.The 25-year-old’s manager Anthony Hamilton, father of former world champion Lewis Hamilton said, "I'd like to think that there is an interest - Paul is a Mercedes protege. I'm proud of him. He will make a great replacement."