Michael Schumacher will not return to F1

Michael Schumacher had to cancel his return to Formula 1 due to his neck still suffering after a motorcycle accident that occurred earlier this year.

In a statement published on his website, Schumacher warned Ferrari last night that he was not fit to race, replacing Felipe Massa.

« Last night, I had to inform the president of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, and the team principal, Stefano Domenicali, that, unfortunately, I will not be able to replace Felipe [Massa]. »

« I really tried everything for this temporary return, however, to my great regret, work is not the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, we did not succeed in eliminating my neck pain that occurred after the tests at Mugello. From a medical or therapeutic point of view, we tried everything, » explained the German.

Schumacher was involved in an accident during a superbike test in Cartagena, Spain, on February 11th, which forced him to give up motorcycle racing. Everyone hoped that these injuries wouldn’t affect his return to F1, but medical examinations indicated that issues remained.

« The consequences of the injuries caused by the motorcycle accident in February with fractures to the head and neck proved to be too severe, » added Schumacher.

« That’s why my neck cannot withstand the strain of being in a Formula 1 single-seater. It’s clearly the test results that indicate it. We’ve done these over the past two weeks, and the results of the final exam were known yesterday afternoon. »

« As there was no improvement after the tests at the Mugello track, I decided on Sunday to conduct a thorough examination. »

« I am disappointed with the result. I am sorry for the Ferrari team and for all the fans who crossed their fingers for my return. I can only repeat that I did everything in my power to come back. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the upcoming races, » concluded Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher had planned new tests on an F2007 in Mugello, Italy starting today, but there is now no reason for him to conduct them.