Michael Schumacher turned down 2013 return to Formula 1 with two teams after Mercedes exit

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Michael Schumacher currently sits sixth in the list of most Grand Prix entries in Formula 1 history.

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton continue to stretch their lead at the top of that particular list, with Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher’s old Ferrari teammate, Rubens Barrichello, the other drivers who entered more than 208 F1 races.

Schumacher made his debut for Jordan in 1991 before immediately being signed by Benetton.

The German went on to win two championships for Flavio Briatore’s team before becoming Ferrari’s most successful driver in Formula 1 history.

Schumacher initially retired in 2006, before being brought back to the paddock for three seasons by Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion only had one podium to show for his time with the Silver Arrows.

Mercedes ‘misunderstood’ Schumacher’s ability before hiring him again, and despite an underwhelming time with the team, he was still very much a man in demand going into 2013.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Michael Schumacher, from F1 career to net worth

Michael Schumacher turned down Lotus and Sauber to stay in Formula 1 after Mercedes exit

Schumacher spoke to Autosport towards the end of the 2012 season when it had already been confirmed that Lewis Hamilton would be signing for Mercedes from McLaren.

Talking about his future, Schumacher explained: “I think we made a very clear statement some time ago that by October we would be able to give indications.

“How many it will be in the end we have to find out,” he said. “I don’t know yet, but certainly it will be until the end of this season.”

The German driver did decide to walk away, but not before Sauber declared their interest in signing Schumacher.

According to Sky Sports, Sauber were considering Schumacher as they prepared to lose Sergio Perez to McLaren after an impressive second season on the grid.

When the 2013 season was coming to an end, Schumacher was offered a late opportunity to return to racing.

According to BBC Sport, Lotus were keen on Schumacher, but his manager, Sabine Kehm, said: “It is true they were asking and I can understand why. Everyone can see that Michael is still very fit.

“I think it is fair to assume Michael would still be strong, but he has happily settled in his new life.”

Lotus instead decided to replace the injured Kimi Raikkonen with Heikki Kovalainen when Schumacher declined a return.

The Finn recorded two 14th-place finishes in a car that slowly dropped off as the campaign went on, despite Raikkonen winning the opening race in Australia.

READ MORE: How the F1 grid looked in 2000 including three world champions and eight teams that no longer exist

Michael Schumacher could have made an emotional return to Sauber

Before Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut with Jordan, he took part in the World Sportscar Championship alongside his German Formula Three campaign.

He won German F3 with five wins from 11 races, and although it wasn’t the most competitive field, Mika Hakkinen did win on his debut in the final race from Schumacher.

Schumacher came fifth in the World Sportscar Championship while racing for Sauber Motorsport.

He was teammates with the likes of Jean-Louis Schlesser, Jochen Maas, Karl Wendlinger and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who all went on to race in Formula 1.

Mattia Binotto has told the modern-day Sauber team to emulate Schumacher as they prepare to become Audi in 2026.

The Swiss-based team only managed one win in their history in F1, and while it’s unlikely Schumacher would have changed that in 2013, he could have imparted plenty of useful knowledge to help Sauber move forward.