From PlanetF1.com:



Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Michael Schumacher won't stay in F1 if he doesn't have a car capable of winning races.

The seven-time World Champion has for the most part struggled in his return season, finishing ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg on only two occasions during the first nine races of the season.

Ecclestone believes that such is the German's winning mentality he will not be satisfied with just making up the numbers and would rather leave the sport at the end of the season.

"If Schumacher doesn't perform I doubt whether he will want to stay," Ecclestone told City A.M. newspaper.

"He is obviously fit, motivated and talented but the car hasn't been up to him," he added.

Ecclestone's sentiments are shared by Sir Jackie Stewart. When asked by the Express whether Schumacher could challenge the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, the Scot answered: "He cannot even keep up with his team-mate. He [Rosberg] is usually faster and has not won a grand prix."

"I would have preferred to have seen Michael not come back," Stewart went on to say.

"Why did he do it? He had achieved everything and could only lose. In my opinion, he retired too early - he should have stayed another two years with Ferrari, and I have no idea why he didn't. Now he's in a difficult situation and has to live with the criticism.

"The first question should be 'will he do another year?' I believe he will stop after this season. What does his heart say? I will believe it only when I see him on the starting grid in March," he concluded.

 

reminds me of another Michael that returned after retirement and played for a different outfit

 

At least Kimi has a place to go if he chooses to return.

 

Precisely! And Kimi was my driver when Schumi retired the first time. I'll take that swap. You guys know I backed Schumi from before Day 1, and I still do, but it's silly to not say his comeback has been a bust. I'm saddened by it, but I don't think it'll diminish his legacy (much like MJ).

 

I dont really think it hurts his legacy. I also think he'll be back next year as long as the team start making developments to the car for next season.

 

if a person made it to become part of our vocabulary(at least in German) he will much like Einstein keep his fame forever

 

+1 that is the first thing I thought of. I don't like the idea of them saying it is because the car isn't competitive; he isn't beating Nico, so it isn't just the car.

 

He'll still be seven time world champion no matter what. It is sad that he did not do better, but the return will just be a footnote to his career. I would like to see him go back to do some DTM stuff or maybe Le Mans,however.

 

I say that he will stay in F1 for ONE more season and that's it for him.

I'm still supporting him and will always will...He's SCHUMI!