» Haug: Schumacher won’t switch to team management role at Mercedes GP

No doubt growing tired of the constant suggestions that a switch to a team management role in 2011 could be an elegant way for Michael Schumacher to leave the F1 stage after a difficult comeback season, Mercedes GP figures have again denied that the seven-time World Champion will abandon his F1 comeback.

Schumacher powered his way to a very credible sixth place in the Japanese Grand Prix – in what BBC commentator Martin Brundle described as his best race of the season to-date – but before the race, Mercedes’ competition director Norbert Haug was asked about any truth to these retirement rumours.

“There is more credibility in Norbert Haug becoming an F1 driver than in Michael Schumacher becoming sporting director of Mercedes,” Haug responded to BBC Sport.

Haug also dismissed rumours that the team had given Schumacher an ultimatum to lift his game for the 2011 season or face the sack.

“I have no complaints and no regrets that we’re going to achieve our target,” Haug added. “We are sticking together and, for me, Michael is as good as he ever was and probably even better.”

[Original image via Sutton Images]