Michael Schumacher calls off Formula One comeback

BERLIN - German Formula One (F1) racing driver Michael Schumacher has called off his F1 comeback due to concerns over a neck injury.

“Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I’m not able to step in for Felipe,” Schumacher told his official website.

“I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out,” he added.

The seven-time F1 world champion, had agreed to step in as a temporary replacement to Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after the Brazilian suffered head injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

Schumacher had intended to return at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

“Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible. The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe,” The Telegraph quoted Schumacher, as saying.

“That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet. This are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination yesterday afternoon. As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination yesterday,” he added.

The 40 year-old further said that he was disappointed to the core and expressed disappointment for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans who were anticipating his return.

“I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races,” he added. (ANI)