Schumacher announcement at Monza

Michael Schumacher has revealed he told Ferrari he wanted to quit after winning the US Grand Prix in July

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By James Foxall

13th September 2006

The seven-time world champ, who finally came clean at the Italian GP, crowned his announcement by dominating the race in front of Ferrari’s adoring fans. He finished ahead of Kimi Raikkonen – the man who will take his seat next season.

t’s a championship which was tough at the start, but we returned to it after another difficulty mid-season and now we are back
He said: “It’s a championship which was tough at the start, but we returned to it after another difficulty mid-season and now we are back.

“After Canada, nobody would have thought we could be in this position.

Now we are, due to some luck, although the retirements over the year are now equal between myself and Fernando.”

Speaking of his decision to join Ferrari, Raikkonen said: “There are many reasons. I’ve had five years at McLaren; it’s a great team and good to work with. But I wanted something else, and there were two choices: to stay at McLaren or go to Ferrari. I wanted to go there one day, and this was the best moment.

“There will be people I will miss in McLaren, but that’s how it goes. Sometimes you want something in your life.”

Schumacher welcomed the Finn as his replacement, and added: “Ferrari existed before me and Ferrari will exist after me, and I think it’s taken a very good decision with its driver line-up to make sure the success can continue.”