What happened: The announcement came moments after the Italian Grand Prix on 10 September 2006. [Formula 1 history](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/20-years-on-the-monza-win-before-schumachers-retirement.1DhBtzNgHPFFoFlWj9agHz)
Why it matters: Schumacher remained a contender for the 2006 title, making his departure a decision taken during an active championship challenge.
By the numbers: In qualifying that weekend, McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen beat Schumacher to pole by 0.002 seconds—just two milliseconds.
Sources
- @autosport