The Swiss-based Sauber F1 Team "is interested in the services of seven-time world champion MICHAEL SCHUMACHER," according to Helmut Uhl of BILD. Schumacher's Manager SABINE KEHM said "everything is possible." Sauber F1 Team CEO MONISHA KALTENBORN said, "Of course it is an appealing thought, and naturally you can't help but think about acquiring a seven-time world champion if he is available. So far, however, Michael has only driven for big factory teams that we can't compare ourselves to." Schumacher wants a fast car, and that is what he would get at Sauber. Even Ferrari driver FERNANDO ALONSO believes in Sauber's strengh and said, "In a Sauber, Schumacher would have already won three races this season." Other options for Schumacher seem to open up at Lotus and Ferrari. The Scuderia "still has not confirmed its second driver" for '13. Kehm "has been seen talking to all three teams" (BILD, 1/10). AUTOSPORT worte that LEWIS HAMILTON's arrival at Mercedes is likely to send Schumacher "into retirement." Mercedes had made no secret of its "desire to sign Hamilton in place of Schumacher, the sport's most successful driver, whose return to the sport after retiring from Ferrari" in '06 has not been as successful as the team hoped it to be. Schumacher has been on the podium just once since he began his comeback in '10 and has retired from half of the 14 races this season. Schumacher released a statement thanking Mercedes: "I have had three nice years with the team, which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment." Mercedes F1 Team Principal ROSS BRAWN said: "On behalf of Mercedes, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael" (AUTOSPORT, 9/28).
