Ross Brawn anticipates an emotional farewell for legend Michael Schumacher

Six years after the legendary German retired for the first time, the 43-year-old bows out of the sport again after Sunday’s Brazilian grand prix.

His second coming hasn’t proved the most fruitful of returns with Schumacher failing to add to his legacy of seven world titles, 91 race wins and 68 poles.

But in the eyes of Brawn, who helped oversee Schumacher achieving all those feats at Benetton and then Ferrari, the German will always be the best.

“With the last race of the season in Brazil also bringing Michael’s second and final retirement from Formula One, it will be an emotional weekend for everyone in the team,” said Brawn.

“The results we all hoped for over that period have not come to fruition. However the progress that our team has made has been significant and I am confident we will see the rewards in seasons to come.

“Having worked with Michael for the majority of the 21 seasons of his career, I feel he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Formula One driver of all time, and we wish him the very best with his future plans.”

Briton Lewis Hamilton will replace Schumacher at Mercedes next term but the outgoing McLaren man is determined to end his 14-year association with the Woking marque with a bang.

He said: “As my final race behind the wheel of a McLaren, I vow to the whole team that I’ll give it my all on every single lap.

“My win in Austin last week was one of the races of my life, and I’d love to take victory in Brazil this weekend to give the team the perfect farewell present.”