Good Bye Mikey!!!

"Words are not enough and whatever I could say now will never fully express how much I love this fascinating world of motor sport and all it has given me. From go-karting to Formula 1, I have lived through moments that I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful for everything I have had. I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me, supported and inspired me, right back to the days of my childhood. Above all, a special thanks goes to Corinna and our two children, who have given me the strength to do what I have done. All these years in Formula 1 have been amazing, especially those spent alongside my friends in the Scuderia. Soon my future will belong to my family, while I am happy to be still part of Ferrari. But for now, what matters is this world championship." - Michael Schumacher

Tonight, we pay tribute to one of the greatest men in Formula One history as he announces that he will no longer continue racing after the end of this season. Michael Schumacher has announced after his awesome win at the Italian Grand Prix that this will be his last race in that race track and after this season, he will finally hang his helmet and will retire, after 30 years of racing.

He has broken the record of almost every single one recorded in Formula One. He has won 7 World Championships, 6 of which he won for Ferrari. 247 race stars, 178 of which is in Ferrari. Won 90 races in his Formula One career, 71 in a Ferrari. Been on pole 68 times, 58 in a Ferrari. Set 75 fastest laps and has amassed 1354 points in his Formula One career. A real milestone for a driver like him that I know, the younger drivers of today would have a hard time beating.

He has been in a lot of controversies. He has been both portrayed by the media as both angel and devil. He has been known to use dirty tactics to get what he wants. But at the end of the day, you can't deny that he is one of the greatest. You can't deny that he is a living legend. Young drivers and aspiring drivers would want to be in his shoes. That is how great Michael Schumacher has become.

It's actually a happy kinda sad news for me. Though I have been awaiting such announcement for some time, I was shocked. When he finally said it, it really got to me. He won't be racing anymore next year. I won't be seeing him at the top steps of the podium. I won't be hearing the German National Anthem followed by the Italian National Anthem. Everything will change next season. Formula One won't be the same without him.

How will this affect the sport? No one knows for sure. Mixed emotions from every corner. Some people are happy, others will be devastated, there will be others who wouldn't really care. Will F1 lose a lot of spectators because he will no longer race? Or will this open doors to other people who would like to see a different face? I guess, we have to wait for next season to find out.

As to the question of who's going to replace him. Well, it has just been announced a little after Schumacher's announcement that Kimi Raikkonen has signed a three year deal with Ferrari. How this will turn up next year is also something I will be really keeping a close watch.

Anyway, it's still a happy kinda sad time for me. I was really hoping that there would be a Michael-Kimi team up with Ferrari but heck...a girl could dream right? Anyway, Ferrari has announced that Michael will be staying with the team at a different capacity. What that is, I have to look for news still.

So now, cheers to Michael Schumacher! After this season you will surely be missed!