Ecclestone can see Schumacher as future team boss

By Jens Marx Aug 23, 2011, 14:34 GMT

Berlin - While Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone can see seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher as a future team boss, the German could well celebrate 25 years in the sport in the cockpit in five years.

Schumacher, who on Thursday celebrates 20 years in the sport and raced in his first Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps on August 25, 1991 and a year later on August 30 his first victory, still has a contract with Mercedes until the end of next season.

For Mercedes motorsport head Norbert Haug the German will decide when he finally retires for good. 'Michael alone will decide when he retires.'

Ecclestone can't see Schumacher leaving the sport soon. 'I can't see him leaving Formula One, unless he really believes that his car is not competitive and he thinks it is time to retire at that time.

'He should then lead a Formula One team,' the 80-year-old told the German Press Agency. 'With his experience and his talent he would be first class,' Ecclestone said.

Schumacher has 91 Grand Prix victories and 68 pole positions behind him and his younger brother Ralf believes he could well add to that statistic.

'He has shown this season that he still has the driving ability,' Ralf Schumacher said.

Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen shares those sentiments. 'If Michael stays in Formula One long enough and he continues to have the determination to do well and the car becomes really competitive, then he would have the chance to win his eighth title.'

However, Schumacher has not found it that easy since coming out of retirement and has not managed a podium place with Mercedes, but team principal Ross Brawn insists that the German has contributed a lot to the team.

'Michael is a tremendous driver. The one thing that is not seen is his contribution to the team, all the work he does and did behind the scenes with the teams that has helped him secure his titles.'

Brawn, who worked with Schumacher during all seven championships, is certain that Schumacher will continue driving if the set-up is right.

'If we give him a car that has the potential to drive for victories, I have no hesitation in believing that he still has the capability to secure an eighth title,' Brawn said.

Schumacher will celebrate his anniversary preparing for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, where he is hoping to do well.

It seems likely though that question marks will remain for some time whether Schumacher will celebrate his 25th year in the sport as a driver.

'But with Michael you can never say never,' said his manager Sabine Kehm.