‘We will not come in Schumi’s way’

Ferrari will not stand in Michael Schumacher’s way if the seven-times Formula One world champion decides to come out of retirement and race for Mercedes, says president Luca di Montezemolo.

Ferrari will not stand in Michael Schumacher’s way if the seven-times Formula One world champion decides to come out of retirement and race for Mercedes, says president Luca di Montezemolo.

HT Image

The 40-year-old German has worked as a consultant for the Italian team since retiring at the end of 2006 but reports say he is close to signing with Mercedes, who have taken over world champions Brawn.

Schumacher announced in September that he would work as a consultant for Ferrari for another three years. But asked if Ferrari would enforce their deal, Montezemolo said: “No, it’s not binding.”

“It’s clear that if he decides to take another road our agreement will no longer be valid, that is logical. You can’t work with a competitor and with us at the same time. I still haven’t spoken to him about it. He is only a dear friend, not a team member. He is a consultant for our road cars.”

Schumacher was forced to abort plans for a F1 comeback with Ferrari because of fitness concerns in August.