Lotus contacted Michael Schumacher
This is not an early April Fool's joke, nor the latest trend in F1 paddock humor. On the list of drivers contacted by the team with the gold and black cars was the name of a certain Michael Schumacher.
Sabine Kehm, the communications manager for the former Ferrari driver, confirmed statements from the German newspaper Bild, which claimed that the name of the F1 legend was on a list established by the Lotus management to replace Kimi Räikkönen for the last two races of the season. The Iceman is indeed unavailable, as we were reminded, for Austin and Interlagos. The Finn, in open conflict with his former team, decided to undergo surgery for an old back injury sustained in 2001 to be in top form with Scuderia Ferrari next year.
Lotus wants to ensure
If a return of Schumi seemed quite improbable anyway, such an association would have made headlines. Ultimately, the Red Baron declined the offer from Eric Boullier’s team. A second return for the German could have been detrimental to his image if things went wrong. Moreover, Lotus is competing with Ferrari and Mercedes for the runner-up spot behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship and is looking for a driver who raced this year.
The Lotus Team Principal must therefore find someone to replace Iceman for Austin and Interlagos. After Hülkenberg (blocked by his contract with Sauber) or Maldonado (retained by Williams), the main leading candidate remains Heikki Kovalainen. The Finn is already familiar with the team, having driven for Renault in 2007. He has also participated in several free practice sessions with Caterham and is therefore familiar with Pirelli tires. Stay tuned!
