Schumacher Re-Retires

Following the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes the next domino to fall was the inevitable departure of the former world champion Michael Schumacher. The German driver has now officially announced his second retirement from Formula 1 after three disappointing seasons at Mercedes.

Schumacher, 43, struggled to make an impact after returning from his three year absence spending the majority of races battling within the pack or walking back to the pits due to crashes or mechanical faults. Neither of which he was accustomed too.

Yet, in a sport that is won through superior design by the mechanics, tactical genius from the team principal and a combination of accuracy and quick reactions from the driving, is it any surprise that Schumacher has only obtained one podium finish since his return.

The reason Schumacher retired in the first place is not because his desire was no longer there, but simply the fact that his body is not physical, and mentally, as capable or agile as it use to be. At 43 he is no spring chicken.

The German, who has partaken in over 300 grand prix’s, appears to have become frustrated at his own inability. At times he has appeared to be, at best, a little clumsy, driving into the back of both Kamui Kobayashi and Jean-Eric Vergne after misjudgements, unlike in 1994 and 1997 when he deliberately hit Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in a bid to effect the outcome of the championship.

Yet, he is not the only high profile returnee to come out of retirement in recent years. Lance Armstrong finished 3rd in his comeback Tour de France with Astana and a disappointing 23rd in his final tour in 2010 with RadioShack before once again getting off his bike. Paul Scholes’ reappearance for Manchester United though seems nothing short of inspired.

However, despite both Formula 1 and cycling being team sports, how the driver, or rider, performs is very much the deciding factor. And even though both Schumacher and Armstrong produced strong performances, neither retained that killer ability when left alone that had previously helped them conquer their sports.

Scholes’ return came much sooner after his retirement, and although he still controls matches and his talent is unquestionable, the nature of football has allowed him to modify his game in order to perform when required with the aid of his teammates.

Michael Schumacher remains a seven times world champion, with the past three seasons being a mere blip on his unchallenged record. There will be no third return for the German master yet when old heroes finally back down new ones arise and with Hamilton’s move to Mercedes, we could certainly witness a new champion if his replacement is that of the Mexican Sergio Perez.