Ecclestone Thinks Schumacher May Stay in F1 for 10 Years

Although Michael Schumacher signed only a 3-year deal with Mercedes GP for a return to Formula One racing, the series chief executive Bernie Ecclestone seems rather optimistic – to say the least – about the chances of seeing the 41-year old German race in the series longer than that. Talking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brit revealed his hope to see Schu stay in F1 for the next decade.

“I think his new career will be long, maybe even ten years,” said the 79-year old Brit, according to the aforementioned publication.

While several drivers and F1 pundits have wondered – either in private or in the media – how much Schumacher will stay in the series following his return, the German's latest actions spoke quite clearly of his intentions. To be more precise, the 41-year old decided not to join the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) at his return, arguing that he won't stay in the series for too long to make a difference.

“I'm not here for the long-term future, only for a limited time, (so) I don't think I should get involved,” said Schumacher, when asked about the reason why he chose to stay out of the GPDA for the remaining years of his career.

The Grand Prix Drivers Association is a safety-orientated drivers' body, who has just elected a new chairman during the course of today. Its new president is none other than Schumacher's teammate Nick Heidfeld, currently tester/reserve for Mercedes GP.

When announcing his F1 comeback, Schumacher insisted he wants to add an 8th world title to his F1 tally, but did not say he would look for an extension to his Mercedes deal as a driver. As far as other positions within the German organization are concerned – advisor, ambassador, etc – he hinted that he may consider it at the end of 2012.