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Schumacher could retire by 2011 - Jordan

ESPNF1 Staff
September 17, 2010 « Lotus poised to sign deal with Toyota | »
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Speculation around Michael Schumacher's career has been called into question, after it has been suggested he may retire at the end of this season by BBC Sport pundit Eddie Jordan

"I've a hunch something fundamental has changed. I believe he is disillusioned and thinking of quitting," said Jordan. "There are too many indications that now give me the feeling he is reconsidering his commitment to his three-year contract."

Jordan remains convinced that there will be some changes to the Mercedes team for the 2011 season. "There is far too much movement in the Mercedes motorhome involving managers from drivers from other teams. It's also rumoured that as a result of the lack of performance of the Mercedes car, expectations for next year within the team are not as high as they were at first."

Furthermore Jordan believes that the incident at the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which Schumacher was penalised for dangerous driving against Rubens Barrichello, will be another factor which will weigh on his mind.

"The Barrichello incident had an effect - he hadn't realised driver standards had changed so much, and that has surprised Michael. My guess is Michael has probably come to the conclusion that, despite his undoubted brilliance, just like this year he's not going to be able to drag that into being a winning car."

However Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn told BBC Sport "[There will be] no changes to the driver [for next season]."

Retirement rumours were also denied by Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm who told BBC Sport "Michael has no plans to quit at the end of the year."

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