Jean Todt, CEO of Ferrari, has revealed that the team offered Michael Schumacher Todt s job as boss of the F1 team however the German champion turned the offer down.
At the end of last season, Stefano Domenicali replaced Todt as sporting director at the team after talks with Ross Brawn revealed he would not be returning from his sabbatical to Ferrari.
“He [Schumacher] would have been the best candidate for this job but he didn t want it,†Todt explained.
When questioned over Brawn s decision, Todt replied, “Ross is a very good man. His successes with Ferrari speak for themselves. We spoke with each other for a long time – about what was best for Ferrari and what was best for him.
“But it was better for both parties, on a long-term basis, that he went to Honda and we occupied the team boss position internally. Ross is now a competitor, but he will remain a friend of Ferrari and myself.”
Todt has not yet decided how much involvement he will retain with Ferrari, although he will be visiting a few 2008 races. “In the last 15 years I dreamed of being able to watch a grand prix on television in peace,” he said. “But no matter whether I am at the track or not, for me a grand prix will always be stressful. That will only change if I do not work no more for Ferrari.”
