FIA F1 - Schmacher Calls It Quits - Again

Suzuka, Oct. 6, 2012: The most successful F1 driver of the modern era has decided to hang his helmet up at the end of the 2012 F1 season. After failing to secure a Mercedes deal that would not force him to commit to a multi-year deal, the iconic German considered his options then simply, and gracefully pulled the plug on his historic career - again.

"Basically I've decided to retire by the end of the year," the seven-time world champion said. "Although I'm still able and capable to compete with the best drivers that are around. But at some point it's good to say goodbye. And that's what I'm doing herewith by the end of the season, and it might this time even be forever.

"During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I'm not 100% feeling for. With today's decision I feel release, obviously from those doubts, and in the end my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished obviously by competitiveness.

"It is without doubt that we did not achieve our goals to develop a World Championship fighting car. But it is also very clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in the whole time of my career."