Ferrari say they won't stand in Michael Schumacher's way if the seven-times world champion decides to come out of retirement and race for the Mercedes formula one team.
40 year old Schumacher is reportedly close to signing with Mercedes despite announcing in September he would work as a consultant for Ferrari for another three years.
Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo says he hasn't spoken to Schumacher about his possible departure, but if he decides to leave, his contract with Ferrari will simply be terminated.