High pressure on Schumacher in 2011

Former triple World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart believes that Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 career will be over, should he not finish ahead of Mercedes GP team-mate Nico Rosberg next season.

The German is set to finish ninth overall in his F1 comeback season although, with this year’s car having been built with former driver Jenson Button in mind, Sir Jackie stresses that the emphasis is now completely on next year.

“I don’t think he’s got a choice," the Scot said whilst commentating for BBC Sport on Friday, with regards to whether Schumacher should stay put next year.

“I think he has to stay because he’s been so disappointed, and everybody else has been so disappointed, with his comeback season that he has to continue.

“However, if Rosberg continues to beat him next year then I think that will be the end of Michael Schumacher’s career.

“I think he’s expecting to have a car next year which is suitable to Michael Schumacher and therefore he will be faster than Rosberg and being ahead of the team mate is always important."