It had to happen.

Just when it seemed Formula One would receive a much needed boost, Michael Schumacher’s comeback hit a wall as rapidly as the man he was set to replace.

So what was the real reason behind the seven-time world champion’s decision to shelve his return to the Ferrari saddle for this month’s European Grand Prix?

Officially, it’s down to neck and head injuries from a motorcycle accident in February.

Certainly the medical rigours of driving a machine in excess of 300 kilometres per hour can’t be ignored.

Taking corners at five times the force of gravity. Withstanding the high speed stress to ones arms brought about by long periods behind the wheel. The ability to endure the same heart rate as a marathon runner at 170 beats per minute.

These are all prerequisites for a modern day F1 driver. And that’s before talent enters the equation.

Off the record, one can only speculate as to the real cause behind the German’s decision.

Rumours persist that after testing at Mugello in a Ferrari F2007, he knew he just couldn’t be competitive enough. Both physically and mechanically speaking.

The current Ferrari F60 vehicle, which incidentally rival teams ensured he was denied permission to test, is just too slow. One only has to view the current drivers’ standings for confirmation.

However being unable to even test the limits of the car you're scheduled to race in must have been unbelievably frustrating. Especially for a renowned perfectionist.

When he retired at the end of the 2006 season, Schumacher held many records in Formula One, including most drivers' championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season.

To this day he is the only Formula One driver to have an entire season of podium finishes, a feat he accomplished in 2002.
 
So for a man who is not use to doing things by halves, the final outcome seemed inevitable.  To his credit though, he tried.
 
Knowing your limitations, as in life, remains the key to Formula One success.

Schumacher knew his and that of his team.

In to replace him steps Luca Badoer, a long serving test driver who last raced for Minardi ten years ago.

Does anyone care though? Not likely.

That’s what made Schumacher’s proposed comeback so special. The old wily master up against talented boy racers Vettel, Hamilton et al.

Perhaps we will never get to see that scenario played out. But then again, maybe Schumacher had already foreseen the outcome.