You’re all well aware of Michael Schumacher’s lackluster performance in his first season since coming out of retirement. Surely, everyone’s wishing he’d be as triumphant as his return to the sport which gave him plenty—seven World Championship titles and countless Drivers’ Championship victories—not to mention the Constructors’ Championships which he helped Ferrari win.

Now, being consistently outpaced by his wingman Nico Rosberg, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Schumi will stay to fulfill his contract up till 2012 with Mercedes GP. Two individuals seem to think Schumi has done quite enough—three-time world champion Jackie Stewart, and FIA top dog himself, Bernie Ecclestone.

Just this past British GP, Schumi was only able to finish ninth while Rosberg took a podium slot. Stewart thinks Schumi should retire now and save what’s left of his legacy. Ecclestone, meanwhile, seems beholden to Schumi saying that it’s his team’s fault for giving him a sub-par car with sub-par performance. Ecclestone adds that if Schumi were driving a Red Bull, things would be so much different.

Schumi himself has admitted defeat for this season, and has shifted his resources towards preparing for next season. If he does retire, the most likely candidate to fill his seat is The Iceman himself, Kimi Raikkonen. Mercedes GP technical director Norbert Haug was seen visiting the Iceman who’s currently racing in the World Rally Championship.

One thing about being a Formula One star is that you can’t really blame people for talking about things behind your back. Such is the case with our seven time champ, Michael Schumacher, who is now being accused of manipulating his F1 team. The accuser – a former wingman – J.J. Lehto. Why aren’t we surprised?

Michael has been known to, well, overshadow his wingmen. Ever since he stepped foot into the sport, his aggressive demeanor has often earned him the ire of his teammates, despite his victories. He always manages to steal the limelight, which most often resulted in envy towards him by his fellow drivers.

There is one F1 driver though that doesn’t quite fall into that description – Niki Lauda. The video of Mercedes GP Petronas defending their star driver along with Lauda is all over the internet. You’ll most probably find it on You Tube. Lauda even has the audacity to call people that spread rumors about Michael ‘idiots’.

Schumi has his own thing to say next to his team’s and Lauda’s protective remarks. He says he has never had a car built purposely for him by any of the teams he drove for. So yes, that includes Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari.

Nothing can be farther than the truth. Watch the video and judge for yourself. What do you think?