Michael Schumacher says he encouraged his younger brother to quit formula one rather than race with Force India in 2008.
Ralf Schumacher, six years younger than his ultra-successful sibling, tested for the newly-acquired team this week at Jerez, and was not only two seconds slower than Michael’s Ferrari, but at the very bottom of the time sheets.
The six-time grand prix winner has not been retained by Toyota for 2008 following a disappointing three-year tenure at the team, and eleven years in total on the grid.
“I don’t know what his intentions are, but before he came here with this car – I don’t know what it is called – I told him that he shouldn’t do it,” Schumacher, 38, told Auto Motor und Sport following the final day of testing for 2007 on Friday.
After his disappointing test on Thursday, Ralf suggested for the first time that his formula one career may now be over.
His brother, who retired as a seven time world champion last year, continued: “I said to him a long time ago that there are so many other things in life that are fun.”
Schumacher insists that his younger brother is still good enough to perform at the sport’s highest level.
“Yes, but he doesn’t have the right options at the moment,” Michael added.
