Mercedes Boss Rules out Schumacher Return

Mercedes-Benz boss Jurgen Hubbert said on Monday that he does not think World Champion Michael Schumacher will drive for the German company ever again.

Schumacher drove for the Mercedes sportscars junior team back in 1990 and 1991, alongside Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, before entering Formula One at the end of 1991.

Despite past rumours about Schumacher joining the Mercedes powered McLaren team, the German admitted he would like to finish his career with his current team, Ferrari, and Hubbert believes it's very unlikely that he would change his mind.

"I don't think Michael Schumacher will ever drive for Mercedes again," said Hubbert. "By winning the title with Ferrari, Schumacher has become immortal in Italy.

"He will probably respect his contract, which expires in 2002, and then decide what to do. But I think that for him there is no future with Mercedes. It's time to bring an end to this matter once and for all."

"Michael started off with us and grew up with us and we became friends," he added. "I believe that we must leave things the way they are and simply recognise the extraordinary performances that Michael has given over the years and in particular this season."

Hubbert concluded that he was not worried about Mercedes image in Germany despite fighting against one of the country's national heroes.

"In Germany, Schumacher is more important than anything else. For this reason, it is undoubtedly more important for us to win against him than win with him."