Bernie Ecclestone believes that
Michael Schumacher returning to
Formula One would be 'fantastic' for the sport, even though he admits that the new breed of 'young guns' has been able to flourish in the German's absence.
Schumacher continues to attend grands prix in his 'special assistant' role with Ferrari, and has dabbled - with mixed success - in motorcycle racing since retiring from
F1 as a seven-time world champion in 2006, but Ecclestone reckons that seeing the 37-year old mixing it with the likes of
Lewis Hamilton,
Robert Kubica and
Sebastian Vettel would add something to the sport - especially the thought of two generations of German driver pitting themselves against each other.
"A comeback by Michael would be fantastic," he told Germany's
Welt am Sonntag, "The seven-time world champion as a challenger of the young lions would be a dream come true....."
Ecclestone admitted that his thoughts had been concentrated by the form of this year's Ferrari challenge, particularly that of reigning world champion
Kimi Raikkonen, who he felt had been overshadowed by team-mate
Felipe Massa.
"I am extremely disappointed by Kimi," he revealed, "I have no idea [why he isn't driving like a world champion], because he is [usually] such a fantastic driver. I thought he might not be motivated any longer, but then he signed for two further years at
Ferrari. For me, Kimi is a riddle.
"I have to admit, however, that I have supported Felipe for some time, and have helped him where I can. To me, he has been underestimated for some time, but now he is in a position to show his true potential - and definitely handled Kimi at Ferrari."
Hamilton aside, it is Vettel, however, in whom Ecclestone best sees champion potential, hence the wish to see the youngster - dubbed 'Baby Schumi' by the German press - go up against the man who inspired the nickname.
