Last week this site took a look at great athletes, like Lance Armstrong, some that retired on top and a few that tried to comeback including some that clearly shouldn’t have. With the bombshell that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will return to race for Ferrari after a three year retirement, just like Michael Jordan, Larry Holmes and Johnny Unitas, is he risking tarnishing his fantastic career?
This is the biggest comeback since Niki Lauda’s return to the sport in 1982. Schumacher, who retired in 2006, will make a sensational return to the sport as a stand-in for the Felipe Massa who suffered head injuries during qualifications at the Hungarian grand prix.
Subject to passing a medical exam, the 40-year-old German will return at the European grand prix in Valencia, Spain on August 23rd.
Though Schumacher and Ferrari have expressed that he is stepping in only to help the team for which he won five of his titles and, in particular, Massa with whom he struck up a close friendship during their 2006 season driving for the Italian team – what happens if the former champ gets hooked on the roar of the crowd and the adrenaline rush of the hair pin turns in traffic that he hasn’t been able to replace since retiring?
Armstrong has won seven Tour de France titles. Schumacher has won seven F1 titles. They are both back gearing for that Crazy 8.
From what I understand fitness wont be the problem, it is the timing and competition that needs a tune up. Sure it will take some time, but hey give the guy a break, he is one of the best ever.
I could be wrong, but you shouldnt lump Schumacher in with tomato can boxers.
this guy still has all the talent in the world. he’ll do fine.
just like Lance, Schu will not embarrass himself.
Look,one does not win7 world titles then suddenly loses it. Yeah,he’s been retired for three years so it may take some time but Schumacher will be competitive.
The F1 talent is not a deep pool these days. Schumacher wont dominate like the old days but he wont get blown away either.
Schumacher will embarrass OTHERS once he gets behind the wheel.