Schumacher’s career1969: Born 3 January1991: Makes F1 debut in Belgium for Jordan team1992: Third in championship for Bennetton1994: Wins first title for Benetton1995: Second title1996: Joins Ferrari2000: First title for Ferrari2001-04: Makes it five titles in a row2006: Last win in China. Retires at end of the season2010: Returns to F1 with Mercedes2012: Announces retirement at end of the seasonBERLIN – Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season. Lewis Hamilton is to replace the German seven-time world champion at Mercedes from next year.“Although I am still able to compete with the best drivers, at some point it is good to say goodbye,” said Schumacher, 43.“During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on.”He added: “It is not my style to go on if I’m not 100% with it but with today’s decision I feel relieved.”Schumacher won 91 races in a career that began in 1991 and spanned 19 seasons, helping to revive Ferrari’s fortunes after he joined them in 1996.He won his first title with Benetton in 1994 and repeated the feat the following year. He claimed five straight titles between 2000 and 2004, before retiring for a first time in 2006.After three years away from the sport he made a comeback with Mercedes in 2010.However, since his return he has managed just one podium finish in three seasons, at Valencia earlier this year.He was then linked with a move to Sauber for the 2013 season, but rather than look for a seat elsewhere he has instead decided to bring an end to his illustrious racing career.
