Former grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck has dismissed as "ridiculous" reports that Michael Schumacher is shaping up to become Ferrari's team boss.

The 55-year-old German, who contested 74 grands prix in the 70s, insisted to 'Sport Bild' that countryman Schumacher hung up his helmet at the end of last year because he wanted to spend more time with his family.

"But team principals wake up at six in the morning and go to bed at two o'clock the following day.  Why would Schumacher want to do that?" Stuck wondered.

In the wake of Schumacher and technical director Ross Brawn's departure, Stuck said Ferrari would be "mad" to disrupt their new management structure in favour of installing a former driver at the helm.

He added: "Good bosses don't fall from the sky, and even the best driver is not necessarily a good manager."

"I also can't imagine Michael Schumacher sitting at a table arguing with Ron Dennis for hours, because he is not a political person," Stuck insisted.

Source: GMM