Lotus fail with sensational attempt to bring Schumacher out of retirement again



Lotus have failed in a sensational attempt to persuade Michael Schumacher out of retirement for a second time.

Having lost Ferrari bound Kimi Raikkonen for the final two races in Austin and Sao Paulo after the Finn opted to undergo back surgery rather than race, Lotus called Schumacher’s management to see if the seven-time world champion was willing to step in.

However, Schumacher decided against a return having twice already hung up his crash helmet - first when driving for Ferrari at the end of the2006 season followed by last year when he made way for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after a three-year comeback.

Sensational attempt: Lotus have failed to persuade Michael Schumacher out of retirement

Second choice: Lotus have instead turned to Heikki Kovalainen to fill Kimi Raikkonen's shoes for the final two races of the season

Confirming that Schumacher had been approached by Lotus, the 44-year-old’s manager, Sabine Kehm, told German newspaper Bild: ‘There have been quite a few requests in the past. Michael would still be fit enough but he has a new life.

‘I don’t find it unusual that people ask Michael. Many people change their assessment about Michael because of Nico Rosberg’s recent performances compared to those of Lewis Hamilton. Michael drove as well as Nico, just as Nico is driving as well as Lewis.’



It is unclear whether the appeal to Schumacher came prior to an offer to fellow German Nico Hulkenberg, who Lotus want to fill the vacancy brought about by Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari on a permanent basis next season.

Exit: Raikkonen is set to join Ferrari next season

But Hulkenberg has chosen to see out the campaign with current team Sauber and it remains to be seen whether Lotus can secure the financial backing needed to sign the highly-rated 26-year-old for next year.



It now appears that cash-strapped Lotus, who have also yet to pay Raikkonen the tens of millions he is owed in wages and bonuses, will turn another Finn, Heikki Kovalainen.

Kovalainen has been without a race seat this year after being demoted to test driver by Caterham.