Life's such a Pitch

I've just watched the guy who attracted me to Formula One racing announce his retirement from the tracks that he has dominated for almost a decade. Yes, Michael Schumacher will take his leave from the sport that has made him a household name at the end of the Brazilian GP, the last race of what has already been a most phenomenal season.

Am still shocked and feeling numb, even though there have been reports that such an announcement may be made today. And there were clear forebodings the moment he came out of his car that something was not quite right - his usual celebratory gestures and jubilation at winning a race were tellingly muted despite having just won a record 90th F1 grand prix, at the home of the Scarlet Team to boot; despite making up 10 points and slashing Alonso's lead in the drivers' championship down to merely 2 points; and despite helping Ferrari to take over Renault at the top of the teams' standings. Something was weighing on his mind and it showed. And his wife Corinna was for once in the crowds with an emotional Jean Todd as Schumi took an extended length of time to wave, hug and shake hands with his scarlet-clad team and supporters before going up to the podium.

Although I feel that Schumi is still the best driver on the circuit (hey, he's still making history and breaking records!), it is pretty obvious that he is taking the proverbial "bow out while you're still on top" route. It's now almost 100% certain that Kimi will take over from Schumi as numero uno at the Scuderia Ferrari. At the post-race press conference at Monza, the man they call the "Rainmeister" and the most successful F1 driver ever made it clear that the team has identified a replacement - someone the German himself thinks is a worthy successor. He also said that he decided not to delay his decision further for the sake of the team and for Massa - rightly pointing out that it is only fair that he announce his decision before Massa announces his.

Today at Monza, Italy, we saw Michael Schumacher compete - and win - his last European F1 race. It is fitting that he waves goodbye on a winning note to a continent that he hails from and has been so successful and popular on. There are just three more races to go before the great German hangs his helmet, gloves and suit up for good. Of course, I will be watching and praying for him to go out at Interlagos with a record 8th World Championship trophy held up high in his hands.

And although I like Kimi and the guy may still improve, I know I will not be seeing anyone as good as Michael behind the wheels of the Prancing Horse for some time. Alonso has shown that he may have what it takes to spark off a new era after Schumi, but I know I will miss the tall German and his daredevil racing forever. Feel like crying right now.

Update (10-Sep-06 11:09 PM): It's official - Ferrari has just announced that Finnish speedster Kimi Raikonnen will take over the mantle from Schumi as their No. 1 driver in 2007. Brazilian Felipe Massa keeps his place and will race alongside Kimi next season.