Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has officially retired from Formula One after a glittering career.
The 43-year-old German had been expected to retire after Mercedes signed Lewis Hamilton last week, forcing him out of the team.
Schumacher has struggled in recent years following his comeback following his first retirement having previously dominated at Ferrari.
“Basically I’ve decided to retire by the end of the year,” Schumacher said. “Although I’m still able and capable to compete with the best drivers that are around. But at some point it’s good to say goodbye. And that’s what I’m doing herewith by the end of the season, and it might this time even be forever.
“During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I’m not 100 per cent feeling for. With today’s decision I feel release, obviously from those doubts, and in the end my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished obviously by competitiveness.
“It is without doubt that we did not achieve our goals to develop a World Championship fighting car. But it is also very clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in the whole time of my career.”