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Schumacher in no rush

Schumacher still to decide if he wants to carry on racing

Last Updated: November 10, 2011 5:13pm

Michael Schumacher: In no hurry

Former seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is in no rush to follow team-mate Nico Rosberg's lead and sign a new deal with Mercedes.

Rosberg has already pledged his future to the team with a contract that ties him to the German manufacturing giant through to "2013 and beyond".

Schumacher, however, is refusing to look beyond next year when the three-year deal expires that he initially penned upon his comeback.

Asked whether he was talking about a new contract, Schumacher, 42, said: "According to some journalists, yes. The reality, no.

Factor

"I've said several times this is not the time to talk about it. I need a little more time to look at myself, where we are heading, to gain some input to see if it is what I want or not.

"There will be some factor that will help me decide, but the most important will be - do I feel it? Do I want it or not?

"That is something we will find out in the future, but not right now."

Schumacher admits that just because Rosberg has put pen to paper on a new contract he has no intention of quickly following suit.

"I am happy for Nico. It was the most logical thing for him to do," added Schumacher.

"I didn't really expect anything else to be honest, but it doesn't change at all my own thinking, that it decides my future.

"All I am thinking about is next year, and still this year as well of course."

Progress

At least Schumacher can point to having made progress this year in comparison to last, when he was trounced by Rosberg in races and in qualifying.

With two grands prix remaining this year, starting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, just five points separate the German duo, with Rosberg the narrow leader.

"We have made clear progress in terms of how we work together, how we achieve maximum potential from the car," said Schumacher.

"At the beginning you will be rusty and in need of time to maximise your own skills.

"But then after that it is how you work and proceed to get the best out of the car, how you understand this and achieve this, and who you work together with.

"That is something we have definitely improved a lot this year."

Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)