Schumacher had been thinking about it since the summer…

Michael Schumacher would he have returned in Formula 1 if Felipe Massa hadn't had his accident during qualifying for the Hungarian GP? As strange as it may seem, the return of the German Champion thus finds its origins last summer during his failed comeback at Ferrari because of a neck problem.

« Until recently, I was absolutely sure that I had finished my career at Ferrari », Declares the German on his website. “ But sometimes things change suddenly and unexpectedly. All of a sudden, the framework is no longer the same and you have to reconsider decisions made previously. To tell the truth, the failed return last summer gave me reason to reconsider my situation."

After Felipe Massa's accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari called on the Red Baron to replace the convalescing Brazilian. But because of a poorly healed neck, the result of a motorcycle fall earlier in the year, Schumacher had to postpone his return. However, his level of motivation was at its zenith.

« I was surprised how quickly I engaged with the topic “, he recalls. “ Apparently my batteries have been completely recharged in the last three years. And when – thanks to Ross [Brawn]? the opportunity presented itself to pilot for Mercedes GP, I realized that my motivation was back. »

At 41, Michael Schumacher is making his return to the F1 circuits. He could also prolong the pleasure for a while – and enrich his record – since he plans to play three seasons.