FORMULA 1 SUPREMO Bernie Ecclestone says that Michael Schumacher made a mistake in returning to the sport in 2010.

The German, who won the world championship a record seven times, joined the Mercedes team three years ago but managed only a single podium finish in that time.

The 43-year-old German had originally retired from the sport at the end of the 2006 season.

Ecclestone, speaking to the official Formula 1 website, feels that the Ferrari legend damaged his legacy by coming out of retirement.

Ecclestone said: “I would rather he had stopped as a seven-time world champion than stopping now.

“People new to the sport – people who have joined the F1 fan fraternity just recently – will remember Michael now, not as he was.

“They don’t see the hero that he was but the human that can fail. I think the important thing is – and this is probably difficult – to know when you can’t do what you used to do anymore and then hand it over to somebody else.

“I hope that’s what I can do: when I feel I can’t deliver, I will certainly say goodbye.”

Ecclestone did admit that Schumacher, who retired for good after the recent season-ending Grand Prix in Brazil, will be missed in the paddock.

“He enjoyed racing and was there helping to do good things for Formula 1.

“We will miss Michael, because even though he wasn’t winning races in those three years, he is still very popular.”

Ecclestone’s full interview with Formula1.com >

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