So, this is how it ends

Today, 10th September, 2006, heralds the end of one of the finest chapters in Formula One history. Michael Schumacher, announced his retirement today at the post race press conference mere moments after winning the Italian Grand Prix in dominant style.

Personally, for me, today marks the day when the face of Formula One was changed forever. The world of Formula One suddenly seems to me to be strange and now I feel like an outsider. I became aware of Schumacher at the age of six in 1994. As I grew older and lonlier, I embraced Formula One and dived headfirst into Schumacher's legend. Soon, Formula One became like a good friend for me and, having idolised Schumacher, Michael became my only connection to that world to which I felt a sense of belonging.

Soon, I was completely immersed in my world and detached from reality. The other day my friend said to me, "You live in your own little world of Formula One and Michael Schumacher. Its just you and Schumacher. You don't let anyone in." Well, my friend was right. I was and still am completely immersed in that world where I find comfort. Its like a bubble within which exist Formula One, Schumacher and I and I look at the outside world through the bubble. However, when Schumacher announced his retirement today, I suddenly felt naked, I suddenly felt the jolt of reality, the bubble has withdrawn from around me. I try to fight my way into the bubble's embrace but in vain. It has shrunk so that I can no longer be safely ensconced within it.

All the Best Michael and thank you for everything. Cheers to the greatest driver ever in Formula One history and for me the greatest driver forever. Thanks a lot. There will always be an emptiness in Formula One without you. I will forever remember you in my heart and memory. You are the true Weltmeister! Forza Ferrari! Forza Schumacher!