Evil_Capri

I'm kind of sad, and I hope he's leaving on his own terms and not being pushed out as some have stated. Maybe he'll do some sports car racing in the future. It would be a shame if one of the best drivers in history fades into the sunset . . . . but in a way maybe appropriate.

Great win today at Monza, and only 2 points behind Fernando with 3 races remaining this season.

rrobello

I would think that its on his own accord, because if it wasnt then he could easily just go to another team

garyb900

I was surprised too. I had heard the rumors but with the championship so tight I didn't think he'd go. Ifigured now that he had some worthy opponents again he'd stick around. He seemed sad this morning when he said it. I sure it hurts him to leave. Maybe he'll come over here and race Nascar! lol!

Zastava_101

I never really liked him.

rickoshay

I've followed Michael since the Benetton days and, even though Ferrari is my sworn enemy (as a Ford fan), I've stuck with him. Also sad to see him retire but it's always good to go out on top of your game. I too hope he will do some sports car racing in the future.

RalphBullit

who cares?
I am celebrating 3rd place of Robert Kubica,Go Robert!

f1-cobra

I'm with these two.

Congratulations to RK and the BMW team.

Evil_Capri

I'm not the biggest MS fan, but I admit I've been pulling for him this season and I'm happy he got his first Championship in the Benetton/Ford. And whether one likes him or not one can't dispute his records.

codeman94

well.....I can only take this so seriously....race car drivers never retire....look at Mark Martin....He's probably going to race next year with yates...and he was supposed to retire in 2005.

Evil_Capri

Nice article on the 'other side' of Michael . . .

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...352462,00.html

f1-cobra

Jason, there's no question that what he's done with his time in the sport is nothing short of remarkable. He's a very talented driver that maximized his resources to achieve what no other has ever done.
However, maybe this article can explain how I feel about it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/5320026.stm

jsaylor

Well, in one respect Michael's attitude makes him the perfect Ferrari driver. Enzo Ferrari, the man himself, seems to have been, by all accounts, a jerk who virtually always whined when he didn't get his way....at least when compteting that is. Does that take away from his genuis? Absolutely not. In fact, however great a car one may want to argue the newest GTB is, the fact that it is not gorgeous or captivating in the same way that a 60's GTO, 50's Testarossa, or even an F40 is can very likely be attributed to the fact that his vision is gone.

Is Schu a great driver? Of course. But he reminds me of the international version of Dale Earnhardt in a way. Just like Michael, Earnhardt Sr. very capable driver who didn't always display class or sportsmanship. Great ability is not necessarily an indicator of outstanding character.

DanS.02GT

I'm no fan of Schumi, but will miss having him around. No longer can My favorite driver be "Anyone but Schumacher."

Evil_Capri

Well . . . regardless of the differing opinions his time is 'officially' over. Glad I was able to watch his career.

And congratulations to Fernando, and best of luck in the McLaren next season.

f1-cobra

Same here, Jason. I'm also glad I got to see his amazing accomplishments. Even this weekend, with all the bad luck, he still came from last to finish 4th.

Also, a big congrats to Massa for winning his home race and congrats to Alonso and Renault for the championships.

Next year will be very wierd seeing everyone in different cars. Raikkonen at Ferrari, Alonso at McLaren. I also don't think Renault will be a factor with Fisichella leading them. One tire supplier (Bridgestone) with the possibility of reds and blacks like in ChampCar. It should be a very interesting season.

Zastava_101

True, but at the same time he made F1 very boring. Its just boring to follow F1 when champion is known by the middle of season. It was fun while Mika Hakkinen was in F1, but after he left it was just boring again.

f1-cobra

I always liked Häkkinen. I saw him win the USGP in 2001 and remember being happy that the only F1 race I had been to at the time was won by him.

Evil_Capri

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/artic...es-gp-petrona/