MERCEDES has played down – but not completely dismissed – media speculation that seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher could come out of retirement as Jenson Button’s replacement.

“It’s clear that there will always be speculation as long as one cockpit is still free,” a spokesman for the German carmaker, who have taken over world champions Brawn, said at the weekend.

“And some speculations are nothing but dreams which will not come true.”

Schumacher’s spokesman, Sabine Kehm, said she would be surprised if the German came out of retirement at the age of 41. “Michael is enjoying his life very much. To me, a return would therefore be highly unlikely at the moment,” she said.

Britain’s newly crowned world champion Button has moved to McLaren where he will have the number one on his car as team mate to 2008 champion and compatriot Lewis Hamilton next season.

Brawn, who will compete as Mercedes in 2010, have yet to name their driver line-up although Germany’s Nico Rosberg is sure to be one of them.

Former F1 team owner turned television pundit Eddie Jordan stoked the speculation when he told BBC radio he was sure Schumacher, who will be 41 in January, was in the frame to replace Button.

“The possibility is being actively pursued and I believe it is going to happen,” said Jordan, who gave Schumacher his Formula One debut in 1991. – Reuters