> Hamilton: I'd love Schu to return

Lewis Hamilton has responded to speculation linking Michael Schumacher with a racing comeback by declaring he would love to take the legend on in Formula 1.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher brought the curtain down on his unparalleled F1 career just five months before the sport’s new superstar made his race debut back in March.

Although Schumacher recently stated his decision to retire was “irrevocable”, his timesheet-topping performance on his return to testing last month still fuelled speculation that he may be contemplating a sensational return

The pair will share the same track for at least a day this week when Schumacher returns for a second Ferrari test at Jerez and Hamilton admits he would relish the opportunity to take on the 38-year-old on a competitive basis in F1.

"Bring it on," Hamilton told the Daily Telegraph.

"I was disappointed that he left just as I got there, having watched him for so many years.

“There's no doubt Michael is a phenomenal driver and I'd love to race against him.

“Mind you, Fernando [Alonso] beat him quite a few times so beating Fernando [last season] was almost as good as Michael."

Despite not having completed any serious laps in an F1 car for over a year, Schumacher proved he had lost none of his speed in retirement when he set the pace on both his two test days at Barcelona.

Hamilton reckons that a return for the soon-to-be 39-year-old would require him having to muster more effort than his younger rivals – although he admits he is not giving the prospect of a return for the German too much thought.

"I think he'd have to work harder as he's a little older," he added.

"But I'm not too concerned.

“At the moment he's not a real competitor for me so I don't need to focus too much on what he's doing."

Source: itv-f1