Schumacher urged to stay in F1

Bernie Ecclestone expects Michael Schumacher to remain in Formula One at least until the end of his current contract © Getty Images

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Bernie Ecclestone has told Michael Schumacher that he should be a team principal when he decides to stop racing in Formula One.

As Schumacher prepares to celebrate 20 years in Formula One, Ecclestone, who was previously team boss at Brabham, says he doesn't see Schumacher retiring any time soon. However, when the time does come for him to look at his next move, Ecclestone believes his long career in the sport makes him an ideal candidate to become a team principal.

"I can not see Michael leaving Formula One until he believes that the team is not competitive and he really thinks it's time to go," Ecclestone is quoted byDPA. "[When he stops] he should run a team. With his experience and his talent, he would be first class."

Schumacher's current team principal Ross Brawn, however, says Schumacher should continue to focus on winning the world championship, and that it was down to Mercedes to provide him with the car to do so.

"Michael is a great driver," Brawn said. "But what is not seen and what also made him a multiple world champion is his work with the team behind the scenes. If we can give him a car with the potential to fight for the championship, then I have no doubt that he will be in a position to win his eighth title."

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