Schumacher Dismisses Hill Comments

Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher has dismissed a suggestion by former rival Damon Hill that he may be considering retirement at the end of the year.

"Everyone knows that he is sort of my best friend," Schumacher said ironically when asked about the comments on Thursday ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The German Ferrari driver and Hill had some major confrontations on the track until the Briton retired in 1999 after winning the title in 1996 with Williams, and the two were regularly portrayed as enemies.

"It's tiring to answer questions like that all the time," added Schumacher, who has had to knock down retirement stories repeatedly since last season when he won his fourth title.

The German is currently heading towards a record-equalling fifth title, with a 46-point advantage over brother Ralf after nine races. Hill said that he had studied Schumacher very closely "and I honestly feel he could pack it all in at the end of the season.

"Michael has been used to having his achievements cheered so the boos he received in Austria (when Ferrari ordered Rubens Barrichello to allow his teammate through to win) and in subsequent races must start making him think, 'what's the point in carrying on?'.

"There comes a time in every driver's career when they have to think whether they want to carry on or not, and I feel Michael is at that stage," added Hill.

Rewards

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn took a similarly ironic line to Schumacher.

"He's obviously a very close friend of Michael's and knows his intimate thoughts," he said of Hill. "That probably summarises it. Michael is reaping the rewards of his investments of the last few years and it's hard to imagine that he would have any reason to stop now.

"Austria was a little bit of a difficult time but I don't think Austria was enough to in any way make Michael reconsider his situation.

"I hope Michael's going to keep going for many years. I am sure there will come a day when he will say now is the time to stop but he's put in a huge effort, made a huge commitment to Ferrari.

"He knows what we are doing for next year so personally I see no reason to think that he's going to stop."