Schumacher turned down Ferrari offer

Ferrari CEO Jean Todt says that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher turned down an offer to replace him as boss of the Formula One team

Todt moved on from his role as sporting director at the Maranello team at the end of last season to make way for Stefano Domenicali - with the team having held lengthy talks with former technical director Ross Brawn throughout last season.

Speaking in an interview with German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, Todt claims that his ideal replacement was the team's most successful driver.

"He would have been the best candidate for this job, but he did not want it," said Todt about Schumacher.

Speaking about why in the end the team did not reach agreement with Brawn, Todt said: "Ross is a very good man. His successes with Ferrari speak for themselves.

"We spoke with each other for a long time - about what was best for Ferrari and what was best for him. But it was better for both parties, on a long-term basis, that he went to Honda and we occupied the team boss position internally.

"Ross is now a competitor, but he will remain a friend of Ferrari and myself."

Todt has said he intends to visit a few races next year, although he has not yet finalised exactly how much involvement he will have.

"In the last 15 years I dreamed of being able to watch a grand prix on television in peace," he explained. "But no matter whether I am at the track or not, for me a grand prix will always be stressful. That will only change if I do not work no more for Ferrari."