Schumacher could make a surprise return

London, Nov. 21: Formula One champion Jenson Button may have been forced out of Brawn GP to make way for Michael Schumacher.

The possible reason why Button opted to partner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren became clear after seven-time former world champion’s comeback talks with Brawn were revealed.

Schumacher met old friend Ross Brawn during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this month. He is set to spearhead Mercedes Grand Prix, which has bought 75 per cent of stake in Brawn, if Ferrari release him from a consultancy role, The Sun reports.

“I believe it is going to happen. It started with a meeting between Michael, Ross Brawn and Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche at the Abu Dhabi GP,” Schumacher’s former boss Eddie Jordan mentioned.

“At the moment, Michael cannot drive for Mercedes because he has a consultancy contract with Ferrari. But I do understand he was due to meet Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo with a view to being released. Michael likes the idea of driving a Mercedes run by Ross. It’s a mouth-watering idea,” he said.

However, Schumacher’s previous comeback effort with Ferrari turned out to be a dampener as the German failed to pass a medical fitness test. And Schumacher’s agent is neither confirming nor denying the speculation move from Ferrari to Mercedes.

“You can never say never in this sport, but to me, it is highly unlikely at the moment,” Schumacher’s spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said.

If the German indeed decides to switch loyalties then it will see a reunion of the Champion pair of Schumacher and Ross Brawn. The two have previously worked together and have won the Formula One Championship with the prancing horse.

Ross Brawn and Schumi at Mercedes, the new entrant on the 2010 F1 circuit, will be a force to reckon with. —