BERLIN - Germany's seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher will retire at the end of the season, according to Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.
The 37-year-old Schumacher is expected to announce his decision in Monza on September 10 but Ecclestone believes the German driver has already decided to call it quits.
"Michael is always competitive but he has probably already decided to retire," Ecclestone told German pay-per-view television channel Premiere.
Schumacher, currently vying with Fernando Alonso for the Formula One championship title, is contracted at Ferrari until the end of the season.
His departure would leave a massive void to fill in the sport but Ecclestone believes other stars are waiting in the wings.
"We need to continue bringing new people in. Formula One will go on after Michael ends his career," Ecclestone said.
08/27/2006 13:14 GMT