With just four races remaining this season, the reality that Michael Schumacher's illustrious and often controversial Formula One career could be coming to an end is dawning.
Speculation in recent weeks has suggested that Schumacher will choose to bow out of the sport he loves so much if he manages to win his 8th world title. Racing against Kimi Raikkonen may not necessarily set fear into Schumacher, but having suffered such a baron season in 2005, the desire to go out in style, with an incredible 8th world title, would be the ideal and perhaps sensible way to culminate an incredible career.
Whether Ferrari will end the speculation on Sunday or merely announce Schumacher, Raikkonen and Massa as their pool of drivers for 2007 remains to be seen. Has Schumacher been allowed the extra time he wants to make his decision? After all, the result in Turkey has put an 8th world title in doubt, and whatever happens in Monza it is unlikely that the destination of the trophy will become much clearer.
A Ferrari 1-2 at Monza is likely, but a Renault resurgence in time for the final three flyaway races is a real possibility. As is a drop of rain or an untimely safety car, note Hungary and Turkey.
So will Schumacher get to bow out of F1 with another world title, will he choose to race on irrespective? Whatever the case, enjoy these final races of 2006, because they may be his last, and in years to come we will be envied for having witnessed a racing legend applying his craft.
