What they say

I'm going to miss Michael a lot. His retirement is sad from one point of view, but from the other now all the drivers can dream about experiencing a moment like the one he experienced at Monza.

— Felippe Massa, Schumacher's team-mate at Ferrari.

The legacy of Michael's magnificent contribution to motorsport will be remembered long after the chequered flag comes down in Sao Paulo on October 22. His status and brilliant driving have helped make Melbourne's great race the country's premier annual sporting event. Not only was he an amazingly gifted driver, he has also made a wonderful contribution to Australian charities over the years.

— Ron Walker, chairman of Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

I had always said that the decision to retire would be his alone, but now that decision has been taken, I feel a sense of sadness.

— Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari's president.

Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula One and of Ferrari in particular. What he has achieved extends over and above the results obtained.

— Jean Todt, Ferrari director.

It was a fitting way for him to announce it with a victory. Irrespective of whether people are believers in Michael's race ethics or not, you have to recognize he's been a great champion and it's the end of an era.

— David Coulthard, Red Bull driver.

I am sure he has thought long and hard about his decision and I respect it. I've enjoyed racing with him and I wish him all the best both for the championship and for the future.

— Ralf Schumacher, Michael's brother and Panasonic-Toyota driver.

It is a pity for Formula One to lose such a great champion, but the time to stop comes to everyone.

— Gerhard Berger, chief of Formula One team Toro Rosso.

Rumours will start as soon as tomorrow about when he's going to come back.

— Norbert Haug, chief of Mercedes Motorsports.

One of the greatest sporting careers is ending. His achievements go beyond Formula One and sport itself.

— Thomas Bach, IOC vice-president.

It's always too bad when such a great personality steps down.

— Franz Beckenbauer, former German football star.

When you retire too late, you damage your reputation. Michael Schumacher quit when he is still world class. You can only wish that all athletes made such decisions.

— Helmut Digel, IAAF vice-president.

The great athletes are those who retire at their peak. Schumacher knows exactly what life is, what sport is and that athletes have to finish at the top.

— Romano Prodi, Italy's Prime Minister.