'Right time' for Schu to finally quit - Ecclestone
Oct.6 (GMM) Despite losing one of F1's strongest brands, Bernie Ecclestone has backed Michael Schumacher's decision to finally retire.
"It is the right time for Michael to go," the F1 chief executive is quoted by Express newspaper.
When he made the big announcement, Schumacher admitted Mercedes' signing of Lewis Hamilton had made his decision to quit easier.
"I think it is good if someone comes along and helps you make a decision," said Ecclestone. "It happens for the right reasons usually."
He is worried, however, that Schumacher is tempting fate by deciding to quit with a full six races left to run in 2012.
"God forbid that anything should happen to such a great driver in the next few races when he is looking forward to a new life," said Ecclestone.
He recalls, years ago, Niki Lauda's decision to retire for the first time -- during a mid-season practice session.
"I said (to Lauda) 'if you are going to retire, go now, don't wait, anything else doesn't make sense'.
"And Niki left there and then. Left his overalls and helmet and went. It was the right thing to do," said Ecclestone.
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
F1 Spanish GP at Madring: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Ferrari "too late" to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon Palmer
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
George Russell shares childhood Silverstone connection and why he rejected bigger grandstand
David Coulthard says Kimi Antonelli proved he is an F1 "phenomenon" at Monza
Why Kimi Antonelli's Italian GP triumph over George Russell felt like a title-defining moment
Max Verstappen reveals laid-back approach to 100-driver Silverstone challenge
George Russell shares childhood Silverstone connection and why he rejected bigger grandstand
WRC Chile: Oliver Solberg extends rally lead as Evans pays road-order price
David Coulthard says Kimi Antonelli proved he is an F1 "phenomenon" at Monza
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP
What F1's risky Madrid bet needs to get right in order to pay off
The deeper meaning of Vettel’s emotional Schumacher demo run at Monza
Why new Madrid F1 circuit will be a "challenging" test of cars and engines
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments