Jordan: “Schumacher has had his time”

As Michael Schumacher prepares to celebrate his 20th career anniversary at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit—a new record—his future remains a hot topic of debate in the paddock. Many discuss whether it is worthwhile for the German to continue his career given that the results are no longer there, even though everyone agrees that the Mercedes driver no longer needs to prove himself. « Above all, Michael Schumacher, a seven-time world champion with nothing left to prove, shouldn’t worry whether his teammate, Nico Rosberg, is faster than him or not. What matters to him is whether he still enjoys himself and if the passion is still there. These are questions only he can answer » says Franz Tost, team principal of Scuderia Toro Rosso and former colleague in Willi Webber’s management company.

For his part, Eddie Jordan, who was the boss of the young German driver at the beginning of his career, believes that Michael Schumacher is wrong to persist in pursuing his career and thinks he should make way for younger drivers: « This sport has many champions and, as far as Michael Schumacher is concerned, he’s an old hack. He had his time, I’ve always said what I thought on this subject for a long time. […] He has had enormous success and is a very good driver, but someone should talk to him and convince him to make way for another talented driver. »

Franz Tost still thinks that Michael Schumacher brings a lot to Formula One to make up for his lack of results, especially at Mercedes: « Do you think Mercedes would be in the spotlight as much if Michael Schumacher had retired? It’s an important factor. He continues to attract a lot of attention, so I don’t see anything negative in his return. »