In what is likely to be a crushing blow to his legions of fans across the world and, to a greater extent Ferrari, Michael Schumacher has canceled his return to Formula One due to complications related to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier in the year. Despite training everyday and losing four kilos of bodyweight, the healing since the accident has been insufficient. Schumacher made the announcement via his website after informing Ferrari president Luca de Montezemolo and team principal Stefano Domenicali. His statement read:

“Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and team principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I’m not able to step in for Felipe,” he said.

“I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.”

“The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe,” added Schumacher.

“That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet. These are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination yesterday afternoon.

“As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination already yesterday.

“I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races.”

So will we.