Schumacher Signs Until 2004 (and Retirement?)
22.5.01

Ferrari have announced today that Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello have extended their current contracts with the team. Schumacher's now runs to the end of the 2004 season and Barrichello's to the end of the 2002 season.

Schumacher said: "I have often said how well I get on here at Ferrari and that for me, the Scuderia is like a second family. I am very happy to have prolonged my stay by another two years and I hope that this continuation with the team will bring plenty of successes. I had little doubt that I would do it, once Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Paolo Martinelli and Rory Byrne had extended their contracts. The discussions took place in the same positive atmosphere which has typified our relationship and we soon reached an agreement."

The fact that Michael has renewed his contract with Ferrari to the end of the 2004 season was naturally the main talking point when he met the press in the Monaco paddock.

Asked if this could be considered a contract for life, Michael replied: "I hope my life doesn't end this early! Joking apart, I have to say that given that all the key personnel in the team also signed to the end of 2004, it was only natural for me to go down the same route. Initially, it was not planned to renew the contract so early. But given the great harmony that reigns, things went forward very smoothly without any problems or distractions. The renewal does not mean though that my career will end in 2004. We will see what happens then..."

Michael said he was also very happy that Rubens Barrichello has prolonged his relationship with the Scuderia for a further year. "This is great news. I did not feel there was any reason why there should be a change in the choice of my team-mate. For me, it was a logical decision. There is no link between the renewal of my contract with the renewal of his. I think it was just that Ferrari want to make the most of the great setting of Monaco to announce the news."

Schumacher underlined the fact that President Montezemolo's decision to remain with Ferrari rather than take up the offer of a role within the government had a positive effect on his decision. "As I have said before, it was important that the key people renew their commitment," said Michael. "and Montezemolo is much more than a key player. We need a President who is always behind us and giving us support and that is just what Montezemolo does."

Schumacher said he will not lack motivation between now and 2004. "It's easy to explain why. Racing is my life. I need to drive and there is nothing to say I will want to stop in 2004! There are various options for the future, including that of a role within FIAT, given that I am a Ferrari driver, and so tied to the group. However, if I do stop racing, I am under no obligation and am free to choose."

On the renewal of his contract until the end of the 2002 season, Rubens Barrichello commented: "I'm very pleased. There were a lot of rumours about my contract, but I knew everyone - from the President, Mr Montezemolo, and Jean Todt down - inside the Ferrari family were very relaxed about the situation. I think both sides are happy - both myself and Ferrari."

Rubens strongly rejects the theory that the prolonging of Schumacher’s contract means he will always be relegated to a supportinig role within the team. “I am only thinking about Ferrari and I like working for this team, the most famous one in the world. We have a great chassis, a great engine and a great team and on top of that, I have Michael as a team mate. One should always look on the positive side. Two years ago, when I signed my first contract with Ferrari I knew I was on the threshold of a great challenge. Now I see no problem in the fact he has extended his contract to the end of 2004. I am calm, especially as we have cleared everything up after the race in Zeltweg. If I had been first and Michael second, the team would not have asked me to move over, I am sure of that.

"Now, I am even more motivated than in the past. I don’t have to think in terms of my career starting when Michael’s ends. I have already made a step forward this year, in terms of driving, in defining the set up, in the way of speaking with the mechanics and engineers. With or without Michael, the will to win is the same.”

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