Ferrari happy for Michael Schumacher to join rivals

Ferrari have insisted they will not prevent Michael Schumacher making a Formula One return with another team.

The seven-time world champion has been a consultant for Ferrari since retiring in 2006 and said recently he would continue for another three years.

But the 40-year-old has been linked with a move to Mercedes and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said Schumacher’s role was “not binding”.

He added: “If he takes another road our agreement will no longer be valid.”

Schumacher was on the brink of a racing return with Ferrari in August to deputise for the injured Felipe Massa.

Those plans were abandoned following medical checks on a neck injury Schumacher suffered in a motorcycle accident earlier this year that caused him pain during testing.

Follow us on Twitter to get free up-to-date news via tweets from the World Correspondents, or you can subscribe to us by entering your e-mail below. You can confirm your free subscription by clicking the confirmation link that will be sent to your e-mail address. Once you've confirmed, then you're good to go.

Enter your email address: