Schumacher Given Ultimatum for 2011 Season

Michael Schumacher signed a 3-year contract with Mercedes GP for an F1 return as a race driver, yet it seems the German manufacturer wants to see some results from the 7-time world champion asap. So much that if he doesn't deliver them in the 2011 campaign, his second stay in the series may be short-lived.

According to German tabloid-style newspaper Bild Zeitung, the Mercedes bosses have given their F1 team representatives an ultimatum: either Schumacher returns to winning form in 2011, or Ross Brown will be asked to find another teammate for Nico Rosberg.

“Bild knows: there is a deadline for Schumi. If he is still behind in 2011, then his Mercedes time is up – three year contract or not,” said the aforementioned report.

Schu's dropping form this season has been the result of several factors. To name a few, the car was not built on his specifications, he had to readjust his driving style due to the new spec tires, his team started focusing on the 2011 campaign, and so on. Nevertheless, Brawn himself admitted that the 41-year old needs to get back into shape in order to help the team more next year.

“With Nico (Rosberg), I'm happy. Now we expect progress from Michael, who is not yet at his best,” said the Mercedes boss about the situation within his garage. In 15 races this season, Rosberg out-qualified Schumacher no less than 12 times, while also scoring 76 points more in the overall classification.

“I would prefer if they regularly beat one another. It is not good when one driver is usually behind the other,” added Brawn.