The chase for a replacement driver to cover for Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus has taken another dramatic twist with revelations 44-year-old Michael Schumacher was offered a chance at a second comeback to Formula 1.
Schumacher, who retired from F1 a second time after the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, has declined the two-race offer. Lotus is apparently unwilling to promote its reserve driver, Davide Valsecchi, and Nico Hulkenberg has already knocked back Lotus. It’s now expected Heikki Kovalainen will stand-in for Kimi in Austin and Sao Paulo.
Sabine Kehm, Michael’s manager, confirmed the offer from Lotus: “It is true they were asking and I can understand why. Everyone can see Michael is still very fit.
“I think it is fair to assume Michael would still be strong but he has happily settled in his new life.”
So was this a desperate move from Lotus, or do you think Michael could have made a valuable contribution?
[Source: BBC | Pic: Mercedes AMG]
6 replies on “Michael Schumacher rejects last-gasp Lotus offer”
Schumacher would have made a valuable contribution from Lotus’ sponsors point of view. Would have been a huge coup for Lotus. Imagine the attention they’d get. That’s if they had the $$$ to pay him.
Michael has often been criticised for his comeback, but look at how Rosberg has more often than not out driven Hamilton this season!
Lotus couldn’t afford to pay Schumi for 1 race, let alone 2 😉
It would have made plenty of headlines but not sure he would have offered much real value. I guess he probably wouldn’t need to for only two races.
Hopefully Heikki does well.
Schumi screwed his legacy once why do it twice……?
[…] Hulkenberg: No. Michael Schumacher: No. Heikki Kovalainen: […]