London: Lotus have failed in an attempt to persuade Michael Schumacher out of retirement for the second time.
Having lost Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen for the final two races in Austin, Texas and Sao Paulo after the Finn opted to have back surgery, Lotus called Schumacher’s management to see if the seven-time world champion was willing to step in.
However, the 44-year-old German decided against a return having twice hung up his crash helmet — first quitting at Ferrari in 2006 and then last year when he made way for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after a three-year comeback.
Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm, told German newspaper Bild: “Michael would still be fit enough, but he has a new life. I don’t find it unusual that people ask Michael. Many people change their assessment about him because of Nico Rosberg’s recent performances compared to those of Lewis Hamilton.
“Michael drove as well as Nico, just as Nico is driving as well as Lewis.”
It is unclear whether the appeal to Schumacher came before an offer to fellow German Nico Hulkenberg, whom Lotus want to fill the vacancy brought about by Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari on a permanent basis next season. But Hulkenberg has chosen to see out the campaign with current team Sauber and it remains to be seen whether Lotus can secure the finance needed to sign the 26-year-old for next year.
It now appears that cash-strapped Lotus, who owe Raikkonen tens of millions in wages and bonuses, will turn to another Finn, Heikki Kovalainen, who has been without a race seat this year after being demoted to test driver by Caterham.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez has confirmed that he has been shown the door by McLaren after only one season. The Mexican has failed to fill the void left by Hamilton’s move to Mercedes, and McLaren have decided to offer one of the shining lights of their young driver programme, Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen, a shot at the big time.
