Schumacher to Decide on Future Next Year
World Champion Michael Schumacher has said that a decision about his long-term future in Formula One will not be made until next year
With the German at the centre of massive media speculation involving Ferrari, McLaren and Kimi Raikkonen, he has made it clear that his mind is open about his future - and that anything is possible.
"I don't see any point in getting too deep into this," said Schumacher speaking at Monza. "I have told you (the media) very clearly what I am thinking. I have not made up my mind. I will make up my mind sometimes next year - and that is it."
Schumacher, whose contract with Ferrari runs out next year, has said that although his future is open, however, he knows that there are only two options for him after 2006 - to continue at Ferrari or retire.
This comes after German newspaper Bild suggested he could be on his way to McLaren following two meetings with Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug.
"I think it is pretty easy to understand," he said. "My career is not very long, it is not like the next 10 years and I cannot imagine to drive for anybody else.
"I have been saying for many years I do not want to retire. Every year the media keeps asking me if I am going to retire. You know the business better than I do.
"It is true I had a meeting with Norbert during the weekend but I have had many meetings (with him) over many years because we are friends. We have chatted about many things, so why suddenly someone makes something out of it I really don't know."
And after admitting that he would be happy to have Raikkonen as a teammate in 2007, if the Finn comes to Ferrari and he chooses to carry on in F1, Schumacher has made it clear that it is not up to him to decide who will race alongside.
"I do not have a problem with anybody," he added. "It is another story that I choose my teammate. I don't think I have ever chosen my teammate."
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