What Prompted Michael Schumacher to Make His F1 Return Even When His Manager Called It the ‘Stupidest’ Thing?

Michael Schumacher is arguably the greatest driver of all time. The German driver has set many records that still stand to this day. He raced in the sport from 1991 to 2006, winning 91 races and 7 world championships. But he returned to the sport in 2010 to give F1 another shot.

But unlike his first stint, his second stint in F1 was unsuccessful. Schumacher could not add to his 91 wins and achieved only one podium and one pole position during his time at Mercedes. Many drivers to this day still question his return and claim that it almost destroyed his racing legacy.

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Willi Weber states the reason behind the return of Michael Schumacher

As reported by Planetf1, Willi Weber had managed the German driver from 1991 to 2006. So, when he returned to racing in 2010, the decision shocked even his manager. Weber mentioned Schumacher confessed to him he was bored and wanted to return to racing.

“Let’s say this was, even in hindsight, the stupidest thing he could do. He told me he was bored, he had to drive. Then I say, ‘Michael, what do you want? You can only lose and you can’t win anymore and you won everything, you are the best racer in the world.

You stand on the highest pedestal that exists and you can only lose now.’ But, he just didn’t want to hear it.” said Weber.

Weber thought if he mentioned to Michael that he was not willing to travel with him everywhere again, it would change the former Ferrari driver’s mind. But it didn’t work out between them and they ended their partnership.

Despite his unsuccessful return, Michael helped the Mercedes team in building them to the conquering team that they are today. Many engineers have credited Schumacher for guiding the team in its initial years.

Michael finally retired from the sport in 2012. He got into a skiing accident at the end of 2013, which has since left him in medical care. Michael’s son, Mick, is now a Formula One driver who races for the Haas F1 team.

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