Nico Rosberg shares ‘noticeable’ change Michael Schumacher ‘wouldn’t regret’ from Mercedes F1 comeback

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Nico Rosberg believes Michael Schumacher ‘would not regret’ making a comeback to Formula 1 with Mercedes but the 2016 champion has ruled out a return to the series.

The Silver Arrows brought a legend out of retirement after they took over Brawn GP in 2010 by signing Schumacher. He and Rosberg shared a garage for three seasons after Mercedes decided to return to Formula 1 as a constructor. Mercedes had not been a team since 1955.

It, ultimately, was not the comeback Schumacher nor Mercedes wanted as the Silver Arrows struggled for form. But the seven-time F1 champion delivered a reminder of his brilliance at the Monaco GP in 2012 by setting the fastest lap in qualifying, whilst carrying a grid penalty.

Michael Schumacher returned to F1 with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012

Schumacher had not raced in Formula 1 since 2006 before he and Rosberg joined Mercedes to replace Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. His return to the series would further only yield one podium with third at the 2012 European GP before Lewis Hamilton took the drive.

The Silver Arrows opted to sign Schumacher to spearhead their return as a constructor as he was the only seven-time champion at the time. He further had the records for the most wins (91), poles (68) and podiums (155) in F1 following his storied spells for Benetton and Ferrari.

Hamilton has since matched Schumacher as a seven-time champion having won six titles for Mercedes between 2014 and 2020. Rosberg won the 2016 title at Mercedes before instantly retiring. Hamilton also now holds the records for wins (103), poles (104) and podiums (197).

But while Schumacher only took ninth, eighth and 13th in the drivers’ standings in his three seasons at Mercedes, Rosberg does not feel the legendary racer regrets returning to F1. He believes Schumacher relished his chance to race in F1 again after returning at the age of 41.

Rosberg told the Koelner Express: “I think if we had the opportunity to ask him about it, he wouldn’t regret the comeback. Driving again [and] the duels, that pushed him enormously. He noticeably fell into the fountain of youth back then.”

Nico Rosberg rules out returning to F1 after Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari

The chance to return to Formula 1 with Mercedes might also appear at Rosberg’s door after Hamilton triggered a release clause in his contract to sign for Ferrari for 2025. The 38-year-old had seven seasons there from 2010 to 2016 and took 23 wins, 55 podiums and 30 poles.

But the prospect of making a comeback to Formula 1 is not something that would appeal to Rosberg right now. The 2016 champion is happy that his career as a driver in the pinnacle of motorsport is ‘over’. He is content with being a pundit and an active investor outside of F1.

“It’s over,” he added. “I’m not planning a comeback. I would have to prepare intensively for a whole year just to train the synapses in the brain.”

While on Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, Rosberg admitted: “It surprised me. But if you look at the big picture, there are two legendary teams that everyone wants to drive for: Ferrari and Mercedes. I can understand that he is fulfilling a personal dream.”