‘Schu would make a great boss’

Bernie Ecclestone believes Michael Schumacher will be a “first-class” team boss should he decide to go down that avenue after retiring as a driver…

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Michael Schumacher will be a “first-class” team principal should he decide to go down that avenue after retiring as a driver.

Schumacher celebrates two decades in F1 at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix as he made his debut for Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps on August 25, 1991 and a year later he tasted his first race victory at the same venue.

After winning seven World Championships and 91 races, Schumacher decided to retire in 2006. However, his love for the sport got the better of him and he came out of retirement in 2010 to drive for Mercedes GP.

His comeback hasn’t exactly gone according to plan and there has been plenty of speculation that he could retire for good before his three-year deal runs out at the end of 2012.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug though insists “Michael alone will decide when he retires”.

When he does eventually call it a day for good, Ecclestone feels he should become a team boss.

“I can’t see him leaving Formula One, unless he really believes that his car is not competitive and he thinks it is time to retire at that time,” Ecclestone told German press agency DPA.

“He should then lead a Formula One team. With his experience and his talent he would be first class.”