Michael Schumacher could be set for a shock return to the Formula One cockpit behind the wheel of a Mercedes GP.

The seven-time world champion reportedly lost his position as an advisor to the Ferrari F1 team as part of a new three-year contract agreed in September, with Schumacher instead concentrating on road car development.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has fuelled speculation that Schumacher could drive one of his two cars, likely as a team mate to Nico Rosberg, while Schumacher's own spokesman has refused to rule out a move to Mercedes.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/245158/

I read this earlier in another article and had to do a double take. It never occurred to me that Schumi would drive for another team. But why not? The Mercedes (former Brawn) is a good car, and Ross and Schumi are a dominant pair. Plus you know how Mercedes wants a German driver, and what better one to have.

At this point I'd love to see a driver that Ferrari forced out come back and bite them in the ass, and since Kimi is apparently not racing next year, Schumi will have to do. When I started watching and following F1 back in '03 I came in rooting for Ferrari. I have been questioning that lately. They have forced Schumi out, and now I'm even more outraged over them seemingly forcing Kimi out for next year. I know that Kimi and his management team agreed to the deal, but they didn't have much choice. He could've stayed, but how much fun would that have been for him, racing for a team that doesn't want him there. It just seems kind of weak that they would give him the boot, and then tell him that if he races for someone else they will give him even less money. It's sad because Kimi is still in his prime. Next year we could have had 4 WDC's racing at the same time. That is something I've not seen, and I have no idea the last time that had happened.

Haug did say that they were interested in the best drivers available regardless of nationality.

Hellacios_craw -

Kimi could have been at McLaren but decided to be stupid about it. He made the choice to seat out.

As far as M. Schumacher at Mercedes, it will be interesting. We've had quite a few surprises already this year. By the time this ends Prost and Mansel could be back...

Brawnista - 18 November 2009 11:19 PM

Haug did say that they were interested in the best drivers available regardless of nationality.

Current speculation suggest otherwise in their driver selection. They could have easily signed Button but they must have really spooked him or McLaren negotiators are that good.

I'm also thinking that Robert K. signed too fast with Renault he must be kicking his own butt as he could have snapped up that Mercedes spot.

Meanwhile, in another thread, Stefmeister found this earlier today:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&langpair=gl|en&u=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Formula_1/0,,MUL1384006-15011,00-KIMI+RAIKKONEN+ACERTA+COM+A+MERCEDES.html

...with Watkins74 linking this bit of perspective on the source:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/293125-kimi-raikkonen-to-race-for-mercedes-in-2010

It's not over 'til the fat lady makes an official announcement.

I guess Nico will be driving for STR or Renault should Schumacher return...

Dr_Zab - 18 November 2009 11:24 PM

Hellacios_craw -

Kimi could have been at McLaren but decided to be stupid about it. He made the choice to seat out.

As far as M. Schumacher at Mercedes, it will be interesting. We've had quite a few surprises already this year. By the time this ends Prost and Mansel could be back...

I'll agree, reluctantly. I think Kimi blew any leverage he had when he said he only wanted to drive for a competitive team. So, with him leaving Ferrari, that left Mac, Brawn, and Red Bull. And Red Bull, though they thought about it, had Webber already signed for next year. I don't know all the details, but I did hear that Mac basically said that since Ferrari was already paying Kimi for next year that they felt they didn't have to give him much money. I think it was only the novelty of Kimi coming back to Mac that really carried interest for them. They got who they wanted all along, Button. Jenson will be less of a threat to their Golden boy than Kimi would have been.

Dr_Zab - 18 November 2009 11:27 PM

Brawnista - 18 November 2009 11:19 PM

Haug did say that they were interested in the best drivers available regardless of nationality.

Current speculation suggest otherwise in their driver selection.

But hasn't most of that speculation originated in the British media? Which might have a vested interest in a counterweight to the All-British McLaren? Because isn't getting your Jack on a lot more exciting when you can stick it to the Bosh at the same time? That's what I've been getting....

ktsayshi- It's the fun of speculating. I'm sure we'll be proven wrong as there are now a few article saying Kimi will be at Mercedes... I should probably keep quite until real announcements are made.

But I sure hope to see Kimi next year.

Has this ever happened before ? A WDC/WCC winning team ending up with neither of its drivers in the following yr ?