Red Bull boss plans Schumacher approach

Schumacher is set to decide within the next few months about whether he wants to continue in Formula One, and Mateschitz has said he will talk with the German after that decision is made to see if there is a chance he will switch to Red Bull Racing.

The news comes amid speculation that Kimi Raikkonen will move from McLaren to Ferrari next year - forcing Schumacher to decide whether he wants to race against the Finn in the same team or seek pastures new.

Mateschitz certainly has the kind of money that Schumacher would demand and, with an Adrian Newey-designed RB3 already being penned, there is every chance the team will be closer the front of the field in 2007.

And although Mateschitz has laughed off talk that Schumacher and Red Bull Racing was likely to happen - and even diverted attention away from his team by suggesting a deal with BMW would make more sense - he has openly admitted that he does plan to speak to Schumacher later this year.

"Michael Schumacher at Red Bull? I wish it was true," said Mateschitz. "Within all this, I also believe that Kimi Raikkonen will join Ferrari. But I could also foresee another possibility for Michael, which was not discussed at all, that he  could go to BMW.

"Apart from 'hello', I have not spoken to Michael, but in June or July we will have a word with him."

Schumacher has stood firm in refusing to talk about his future plans, despite continued questions by the media.

"As a basic principle I do not comment on speculation, since any comment I could make would only lead to more rumours," he said recently.