Michael Schumacher Says No to Formula One

Ferrari has had an up and down couple of weeks but Ferrari’s fate has once again headed down a track that keeps changing course. They lost their number one driver Felipe Massa to a head injury due to being struck by debris off of a competitor’s car in the Valencia competition. Only to have the clouds part and the sun to shine through in the form of a possible return to Formula One racing of one of the most successful racers in the history of any type of racing, Michael Schumacher. Felipe is recovering nicely and should make a full return to Formula One which is certainly the most important part of the last few weeks.

Michael Schumacher has announced he won't be able to get behind the wheel for Felipe Massa

Yes, despite the unfortunate events a few weeks ago, everything seemed to be working out. The clouds have decided to reappear though as Michael Schumacher announced the other day that he would be unable to replace Felipe Massa behind the wheel for Ferrari. Apparently, the neck injury he suffered racing motorcycles in February hasn’t healed enough to withstand the forces of a Formula One competition. Schumacher suffered neck and head fractures, which is a pretty serious injury and it’s not surprising to me that he’s suffering pain while trying to race in a Formula One car. His inability to withstand the forces of involved in racing in Formula One became apparently after a recent 67 lap test in an F2007 on Ferrari’s Mugello circuit to evaluate his fitness and try to prepare him for his upcoming return to Formula One.

This certainly is unfortunately news for Schumacher’s legions of fans, who have been foaming at the mouth thinking about the return of their hero to Formula One. Formula One is a sport that requires a lot from the competitors and they have to be in top physical shape to withstand the forces involved while driving the cars. Any injuries will only be highlighted by competing in a Formula One race and they would get worse with every second spent behind the wheel. Especially, a neck or head injury is difficult to deal with at the best of times and Michael is getting older and injuries just don’t heal as quickly as we age. This is a fact that this tennis and martial artist knows well and one that has to often be dealt with on a day to day basis.

According to sources within Ferrari they have called in Luca Badoer to drive their car in the European Grand Prix later this month. Luca should do fine and Ferrari wasn’t exactly running the fastest car on the track at the time Massa had his unfortunate accident. He’ll do the job and fill in until Massa makes it back and by then hopefully Ferrari will get their car figured out.

“Image: Zuma Press”