Michael Schumacher has ruled out returning to Formula One for Ferrari this year.
The German had been set to deputise for the injured Felipe Massa in yesterday’s European Grand Prix, but a persistent neck injury meant he could not race.
His replacement, Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer, qualified last and was the last of the finishers, too.
When asked by Italian television whether he planned to race again for Ferrari, Schumacher said: “No. I'm not thinking about doing any races. My life is ok.
“For the moment, I don't have any plans to start another attempt to come back.”
Schumacher’s doctors have said his injury could take up to two years to recover. By this time, he will be 42.
His spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said he had only agreed to come back for Ferrari because of Massa’s injury and he had never regretted his decision to retire.
Luca Badoer looks set to keep his race seat next weekend in Belgium, but he could be replaced for the rest of the season.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said it was the right decision to give the test driver a chance to race after 10 years at the team.
“It was the right decision to choose him after what he has done for the last 10 years,” he said.
“He has risked his life for our racing drivers and it is a reward Ferrari wanted to give him for that.”
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Ferrari reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Schumacher rules out return
AND the audience think's....yeah! right Michael, if the stories are true and Fernando is coming to Ferrari, wouldn't it be interesting if Michael did the first three races so Massa was properly fit, or better still if Kimi stayed and Michael showed up Kimi as the "Kevin" he really is!