Schumacher Refuses No 1 Status at Mercedes

Michael Schumacher has dismissed rumors that he will seek the No 1 status within the Mercedes Grand Prix team. Actually, this was one of the main things he wanted to make very clear after signing a 3-year deal with the Brackley based team. His return to F1 will not mean teammate Nico Rosberg will become his lieutenant, a strategy that he used to pick up during his Ferrari days.

“There were always these rumors that I always have a certain status. I can confirm that it was never the case. The team always decided the status, and that will be no different now,” said Schumacher to the German media, following his confirmation at Mercedes GP.

In addition, he insisted that two of the main arguments that got him to ink the deal was fact that he will reunite with former team manager Ross Brawn at Brackley, as well as him being able to represent his fellow countrymen Mercedes in Formula One. The German company was actually the one to guide his steps into F1, through their young driver development programme in the early 1990s.

“I had a special relationship with Ferrari and would not have come back for any old team. The factors of (former Ferrari technical director) Ross Brawn and Mercedes-Benz were really crucial,” added the 40-year old German.

Schu also insisted that his commitment with Ross Brawn's team goes further than the 2010 season, as he expects to fulfill his entire contract. Meaning he plans to race for the entire 3 years on the contract, after which he'll likely become ambassador for the Stuttgart based marque.

“We are talking about a three year deal. It is not a one-off thing. We are obviously looking for continuity. For sure there is also the possibility to work as ambassador for Mercedes. That also makes sense,” added the soon-to-be 41-year old.