Schumacher may be ready to retire: Hill

Four times world champion Michael Schumacher may decide to retire from Formula One this year, his former title rival Damon Hill said on Thursday.

"I have been studying Michael very closely and I honestly feel he could pack it all in at the end of the season," Briton Hill was quoted as saying in The Sun newspaper.

"Michael has been used to having his achievements cheered so the boos he received in Austria (when Ferrari ordered Rubens Barrichello to allow his team mate through to win) and in subsequent races must start making him think, 'what's the point in carrying on?'.

Hill, 41, who won the world title with Williams in 1996 and now works on Sky Television's Digital F1+ service, believes the German will be content to equal Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five Formula One titles and call it a day at the end of the season.

"There comes a time in every driver's career when they have to think whether they want to carry on or not, and I feel Michael is at that stage," said Hill as preparations continued for Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

BODY LANGUAGE

"He has always been way ahead of his team mate but Rubens is beginning to match his speed. I am sure Michael will not want to continue risking his life if his team mate suddenly starts beating him.

"Michael's entire body language suggests he's not getting the same kind of enjoyment from winning as he used to. And look at the last race at the Nuerburgring," said Hill.

"Michael made a mistake in qualifying and also spun during the race while under pressure to attack Rubens. That's not like him at all.

"He has a wife and young family, no financial worries and nothing left to prove. He is already in motor racing's Hall of Fame thanks to his 59 wins -- which could still be increased this season. That total will never be matched."

Hill said that equalling Fangio's record was probably better than beating it.

"He (Schumacher) will stand alongside a driver who many still regard as the greatest.

"While Ferrari are the current dominant force, there is no guarantee Michael will be so competitive next season so he may well feel it's best to bow out while at the very top," said Hill.

Schumacher, who has a championship lead of 46 points, will be seeking his seventh win in 10 races this weekend.