I'm not quitting yet... Schumacher still motivated to succeed despite Mercedes snub

By Sportsmail Reporter

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Michael Schumacher insists he is as ambitious as ever to succeed in Formula 1 despite facing the prospect of being without a drive next season.

It was announced last week that the 43-year-old legend will be replaced at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton for 2013 after the Briton opted to end his 14-year association with McLaren.

Still in love: Michael Schumacher is committed to F1 despite having no drive next season

Still in love: Michael Schumacher is committed to F1 despite having no drive next season

For Schumacher, six years after retiring first time around, the exit is looming again, although there are rumours he could yet replace Sergio Perez at Sauber after the Mexican's switch to McLaren, whilst an 'upstairs' role at Mercedes is also a possibility.

Despite all the uncertainty, Schumacher insists his immediate focus is on the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

He said: 'My motivation is completely intact after the news last week, especially because Suzuka is one of the season's highlights for me.

Replaced: Schuey has seen his seat go to British driver Lewis Hamilton for 2013

Replaced: Schuey has seen his seat go to British driver Lewis Hamilton for 2013

'I enjoy the circuit - it has sections that challenge you as a driver like almost nowhere else. Then there are the fans: they love motor racing and it is fun to feel their passion.

'Logically, it would also be nice to achieve a sporting highlight this weekend, although my chances are of course very limited because of my grid penalty. But I've always approached these things as a challenge.'

 

 

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

I think Michael should retire now for the good of his reputation. The Schumacher of old would never have ploughed into the back of a car like he did at Singapore. - M M, Newry, 2/10/2012 14:25 Could not agree more. With quality drivers like Kubica and Sutill, to name just 2, sitting on the sidelines, it is criminal for an old man to steal a car. You only have a short prime, and Michael is well past his. GIVE SOMEONE ELSE A CHANCE you will get more respect if you do.

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I think Schumacher and Rory Byrne are the ones who oulled Ferrari out of their slump. It takes a winning car and a winning driver to win championships, and the combination of Schumacher driving Rory Byrne cars was unstoppable, both at Ferrari and Benetton before that. ----------------- A monkey could have led that combination to victory. -------------------------------- - Completely Average , Somewhere, United Kingdom ----------- A monkey? Ridiculous comment much(!) Brawn race strategies time after time helped to win tight races, especially from the challenge of Mclaren and his galvanising qualities on race days shouldn't be underestimated. Todt scouting, rebuilding in the background, laying down foundations to help build Ferrari as a team shouldn't also be underestimated. Todt was starting all this before the likes of Schumacher, Brawn or Bryne joined

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Bit worried for Schumacher, he will be going all out to show Mercedes and the world how good he still is despite the perceived slight on his ability. This is a dangerous way to race. I hope he retires gracefully at the end of the season and also in one piece.

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Big fan of Michael's but he should have stayed retired. Having said that I thought he retired 2 years too early, but there may have been reasons for that at Ferrari, which is a shame as Kimi didn't exactly light up the world even though he won the championship. Ferrari made a big mistake.

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I heard a rumour that Bernie is prepared to pay half his salary if Ferrari agree for him to replace Massa - all about the ratings with Bernie, so may be some truth in it?

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I think Brawn and Todt might have something to say about that......... - Robert , London, United Kingdom, 02/10/2012 17:31 ---------------------------- I think Schumacher and Rory Byrne are the ones who oulled Ferrari out of their slump. It takes a winning car and a winning driver to win championships, and the combination of Schumacher driving Rory Byrne cars was unstoppable, both at Ferrari and Benetton before that. ----------------- A monkey could have led that combination to victory. --------------------------------- Personally, I would like to see MS head over to Lotus and replace Grosjean. A Schumacher/Hakkinen team would be extremely entertaining to watch.

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I can see him at Sauber....didn't he start out driving sports cars for them? I hadn't thought of Ferrari....... horse MK 15.01 what a brilliant idea. Massa bless him is now so underperforming it's embarrassing. Shumi and Alonso in the same team? . I'd buy tickets to see that. However I don't know that Alonso would want to take that risk but nice idea all the same!

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Hamilton is a bit like Rooney is brought on from a child by his club and then after saying I will stay with them forever their in my blood gets a big money offer and all his misgivings are paid for. Never let it be said that sports stars are not motivated by money they lie, once the big bucks are shown they will be bought and paid for like some bit of shopping. - it is true, England somewhere in the SW, ------ Sorry who isn't motivated by money and improved lifestyle? I genuinely despise such stupid comments from people who clearly aren't f1 fans just have an agenda. Have you got conclusive proof that it was all about the money considering the reports are saying no improved money for Lewis and relationship with Mclaren was breaking down? Honestly, you're just another clueless one post wonder. not to mention a jealous one......

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MS dragged Ferrari out of slump. - jamesusa, garrison usa ------ I think Brawn and Todt might have something to say about that.........

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To be fair, not only his age but 2 years out of the sport where the rules were drastically changed, including the scrap of traction control has made the difference. I am massive fan of Schumacher, Ferrari growing up. But it was a golden age for Ferrari, where not only Schumacher had the ability, but the car was designed to perfection, around him. Brawn, Schumacher, Todt and the rest of the engineers where a formidable team.

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