Motor racing legend Mario Andretti thinks Michael Schumacher could race into his 50s. The seven times world champion  who will be 37 next year has said he will carry on racing while he still derives enjoyment from it contra to experts who assume he will retire within the next few years.

Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion continued racing Champ Cars full-time until the age of 54 and would have probably have continued further if he had not suffered a Champ Car

accident in 2003.

Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion continued racing Champ Cars full-time until the age of 54 and would have probably have continued further if he had not suffered a Champ Car accident in 2003.

He says there is no reason for Schumacher to retire while the competitive fire still burns. “If Schumacher wants to, he could still be racing all the way into his 50s,” Andretti told The People. “I did. It’s just about motivation and the drive to keep racing, and as long as you still have that then there is no reason to retire. “Your brain might become less reactive, but your greater experience helps you. “If Schumacher keeps his mental condition, and considering his excellent physical preparation, he could race for 10 more years at the top.”

Andretti  believes that even he called time on his full-time career prematurely.
“Physically and mentally, I was still at the top when I quit and hanging up my helmet was a big mistake,” he said. “All I really needed was a break to recharge the batteries and rest. “But I didn’t need to stop for good. I could have come back.”