F1 legend Michael Schumacher was the first ever driver to reach seven drivers’ world championships. The German won two championships with Benetton in the mid-1990s. He then went on to challenge for more championships in the scarlet red of Ferrari, and dominated the early 2000s, winning five in succession.
However, that was enough for Schumacher, who wanted to win more races and championships. After retiring from F1 in 2006, the German legend announced he would return to the sport with Mercedes for the 2010 season. Although this caused excitement throughout the paddock, some, like former team principal Franz Tost, didn’t think it was a good idea.
Franz Tost told Michael Schumacher his return was “pointless”
Michael Schumacher dominated the early 2000s with the Scuderia, winning five consecutive championships, a feat no other driver has achieved. The 2005 season saw Ferrari drop the ball, but they were back at their best for the 2006 season. Schumacher battled Fernando Alonso in a tight championship fight, but the Spaniard got the better of the seven-time world champion.
That season would be the last Schumacher would drive for Ferrari as he announced his retirement from F1. However, in a shocking twist, Schumacher joined Mercedes to partner Nico Rosberg for the 2010 season. His ambition was to win the elusive eighth championship.
Former AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost remembers speaking to Schumacher before his return, and bluntly told the legend that the comeback was not a good idea.
23/12/2009: The day Michael Schumacher announced his return to @F1 with Mercedes ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jYN8NB8Z0O
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 23, 2024
Speaking exclusively to F1-Insider, Tost said: “Michael’s comeback was completely pointless. I discussed this with Michael at dinner shortly before his return. I told him: Your time is up. The following dialogue ensued.”
“I asked him: “What do you expect?” He said: “I want to win races and become world champion again.” I said: “You can forget about that. Formula 1 is completely different today. When you left Ferrari, you could test without any willpower. You had your own tire manufacturer, Bridgestone, that did everything for you.”
“If you had understeer, for example, you tested a tire until the problem was solved. Today you have standard tires and only seven test days, half of which are for you, the rest for Rosberg. Forget it. But the crucial thing: your direct competitors are twenty years younger than you. Especially in Formula 1, once you reach a certain age, things move too quickly. Then it’s over.” He accepted it without grumbling.”
Schumacher was unable to hit his heights after his comeback. The German struggled to adapt to the new cars and tyres, and Mercedes eventually replaced him with Lewis Hamilton for the 2013 season. After this confirmation, Schumacher announced his second retirement from F1.
Michael Schumacher struggled on his return
Michael Schumacher struggled on his return to F1 in 2010 with Mercedes. He failed to record a win, podium, pole position or fastest lap for the first time since the 1991 season. He was also bettered by his younger teammate, Nico Rosberg, who stood on the podium on three occasions.
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The 2011 season was still a struggle as Schumacher failed to adapt to the new regulations and Pirelli tyres. However, he did lead three laps at the Japanese GP, making him the oldest driver to lead a race. He also showed glimpses of his former self after he finished fifth in Belgium after starting last. However, he was again beaten by Rosberg in the standings.
In 2012, Schumacher finally stood on the podium following his return at the European GP. He also recorded a pole position in Monaco but had a five-place penalty for causing a collision in the previous race. Schumacher finished his career with a seventh place in Brazil, a race which saw fellow German Sebastian Vettel storm through the field to win his third world championship.
