Michael Schumacher retiring from F1 again, 'might be forever'

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher said this morning that he will retire at the end of the current season. Just last week, Mercedes-Benz announced that Lewis Hamilton would be replacing Schumacher for the 2013 F1 season.

Schumacher didn't completely quell the rumours of his taking a spot with another racing outfit next season – Sauber has been mentioned as a potentially soft landing place for the German – saying only that the retirement, "...might be forever."

In an interview with the Associated Press following the Japanese Gran Prix, Schumacher recounted, "Although I was able and capable of competing with the best drivers that are around, at some point it's time to say goodbye and this time it might be forever."

Schumacher retired for the first time following the 2006 F1 season, choosing to return with Mercedes in 2010. Despite being the most successful driver in the history of the sport, Schumacher has underwhelmed in the intervening years since his comeback.

News Source: Associated Press via ESPN

Image Credit: Itsuo Inouye / AP