Lauda urges Schumacher to re-retire

Niki Lauda says Schumacher should not stay in F1 just for the fun

Formula One legend Niki Lauda has urged Michael Schumacher to ‘be honest with himself about what the Austrian says is a failed comeback.

“I have always been a big supporter of Michael’s comeback – because I did it, and I know what it’s all about," the Austrian three-time F1 World Champion told Motor Sport Magazine.

Lauda returned to the sport in 1982 having walked away from the sport in 1979 as a double world champion. He won the world championship for a third time in 1984, before retiring a year later after a season well off the pace.

“Last year, we understood he needed time to get used to these different cars," Lauda explained, “plus the handicap of not being able to test and all the rest of it. I felt that this year was the last chance for the comeback to happen properly if it was going to – and this year is the same as last.

“I think every sportsman – if he wants to perform as well as Schumacher did in the past – has to be honest with himself. He has kept saying that he needs more time, blah, blah, blah, and he presents himself as the relaxed guy who’s really enjoying it – but inside he’s not relaxed at all, because no top racing driver enjoys being beaten.

“If he really were as relaxed as he claims to be, then Mercedes should tell him to retire!"

Lauda backs Schumacher to come to the realization about his career for himself.

“You don’t do F1 for fun," Lauda added. “In the end, he has to ask himself, ‘Can I do it or not?’ I honestly don’t think it will work out for Michael now; when you want to go quicker, you try everything – and when you’ve tried everything and you still don’t make it, that’s it.

“I’m sure he’s still trying, but one day he will realize that he can’t make it, and then he will take a decision."