Mercedes shows the door to Michael Schumacher

Mercedes shows the door to Michael Schuamacher

Mercedes didn't choose to renew Michael Schumacher's contract. Instead it announced signing up Lewis Hamilton for a three year duration.

Mercedes also announce that Triple World Champion Nikki Lauda will join the team as non-executive chairman.

The Mercedes team is largely struggling under the leadership of Ross Brawn and has notched up a single race win in three years. Michael Schumacher has managed to win his first podium finish this year where as his team mate Nico Rosberg has won one race.

Michael Schumacher in a statement said "I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races."

Ross Brawn of Mercedes said "On behalf of Mercedes, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment has never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael."

McLaren team has immediately announced that they have signed Sergio Perez of Sauber who has shined this year with three podium finishes.

It would be interesting to see what Michael Schumacher does. From his spirited driving it doesn't appear that he is considering retirement. However, his options for driving a top team are on finger tips.

One likely possibility of a drive for Michael Schumacher could be Ferrari. Felipe Massa is under fire in Ferrari and has failed to impress. His contract will be over this year. It would be a dream come true to get Michael Schumacher partner with Fernando Alonso. If the pairing of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso happens, then it would be a dream team. Will Luca Montzemelo agree to that prospect?

Michael Schumacher can also go to the smaller Sauber team as a replacement of Sergio Perez. The Sauber team has been punching above its weight and have been pretty fast.

The last word on Michael Schumacher's future is yet to be heard on this subject. One thing is for certain, there would be hordes of people who will stop buying Mercedes cars.