LONDON —Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula 1 motor racing at the end of the season.
Report by BBC Sport
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton is to replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes from next year.
Schumacher was linked with a move to Sauber for 2013, but has decided to end an F1 career that began in 1991.
“Although I am still able to compete with the best drivers, at some point it is good to say goodbye,” said the 43-year-old German.
“During the past month, I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I’m not 100% for.
“With today’s decision, I feel released from those doubts. In the end, my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished by competitiveness.”
Schumacher won 91 races in 19 seasons, helping to revive Ferrari’s fortunes after he joined them in 1996.
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He won his first title with Benetton in 1994 and repeated the feat the following year, before leaving for Ferrari. He claimed five straight titles between 2000 and 2004, before retiring for the first time in 2006.
Schumacher’s career 1969: Born January 3 1991: Makes F1 debut in Belgium for Jordan team 1992: Third in championship for Benetton 1994: Wins first title for Benetton 1995: Second title 1996: Joins Ferrari 2000: First title for Ferrari 2001-04: Makes it five titles in a row 2006: Last win in China. Retires at end of the season 2010: Returns to F1 with Mercedes 2012: Announces retirement at end of the season Schumacher in numbers World championships: 7 Race wins: 91 Seasons in F1: 19 Points scored: 1 560 Points finishes: 220 Podiums: 155
