Jul.7 (GMM) Norbert Haug has denied a game of "contract poker" is shaping up between Mercedes and Michael Schumacher.

Team boss Ross Brawn said this week that Mercedes will decide the identity of Nico Rosberg's 2013 teammate this summer, prompting reports that - in fact - only Schumacher possesses a unilateral option to extend his expiring contract.

The 43-year-old then came out and rejected the notion he will make a decision before October.

"The situation is that we will get together in peace," Mercedes' motor racing director Haug told the broadcaster Sky, as the speculation ramps up.

Speaking at Silverstone He denied one party is putting pressure on the other.

"It is very important that there is a mutual decision," said Haug.

"It was rumoured that it is Michael's choice, but Michael is always the first to emphasise that we must agree as a team.

"There is no 'contract poker'," the German said.

He ruled out the possibility that Schumacher could be testing the water on the driver market, Haug insisting that he is "an integral part of the silver arrows" and "not flirting with another team".

"That means we can allow ourselves the time we need," said Haug.

He did not say whether Schumacher appears headed for a new contract, or back to retirement.

"We will see. If we knew now, then we would announced it now," said Haug. "But we are not ready and we are giving ourselves the time we need."

In fact, Schumacher sounds very likely to race on, comparing his work at Mercedes to the rebuilding phase at Ferrari that led to five consecutive titles.

"I do not see significant differences between what I did then and what I'm trying to achieve here," the seven time world champion told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

Asked if he still has the hunger and ability to race on, Schumacher added: "After retiring and turning 40, I thought my career was over, but here I am!

"I don't know what will happen from now on, but I'm fit, I have no physical problems and I still feel strong."

Teammate Rosberg, however, sounded mischievously tired of all the questions he is facing regarding Schumacher's looming decision.

"Yes, he is staying two years. But he wants 43 million euros, which is crazy," he told Berliner Zeitung newspaper, before laughing.

"Just kidding! I honestly don't know what he's doing."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version

F1 News  F1 Schedule  F1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  F1 Tickets  Live F1 Coverage

Full Version: Formula 1 News  Formula 1 Schedule  Formula 1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  Live F1 Coverage  10 'n' Pole  F1 Regulations  The Forums  Motorsport Shop  F1 Merchandise  F1 Tickets  F1 Diecast  F1 Videos  F1 Games