Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti were seen ahead of the 2010 Bahrain GP © AP Images

Michael Andretti knows all about racing at the age of 40 and beyond. He won his last race at the age of 53 in the IndyCar series. The 1978 World Champion is then the best person to speak to when it comes to discussing about comebacks, be it Michael Schumacher or the American's 1978 championship winning team, Lotus. F1PULSE.com caught up exclusively with the legend himself to discuss the two names that have been etched in history.

I don’t think his age to me is an issue because of his physical condition and also his tremendous desire to come back. I think the age factor is something very individual. I for one, drove at the top level until I was 54. That was only because I loved it so much and I kept myself in good condition. I was very fortunate that I didn’t have any extensive injuries and accidents, so I was able to continue. And with him coming back at this stage is fantastic and he’ll be able to pick up pretty much where he left off because he kept training in superbikes, go-karts and all of that and I think he really was never too far from the sport. Going back with a team that comprises of individuals that were so successful with him, Ross Brawn in particular, is a fabulous situation for him and wonderful for Formula One.

Schumacher at a charity karting event in Brazil in November 2009 © AP Images

I don’t know if there is any psyche you can generalise on. It’s that every individual would react differently. There are drivers that have retired at a relatively early age, then came back, but could never resume their career properly. And there are others like, take for example Niki Lauda, who retired and came back and was world champion again. And Alain Prost too. Again, it’s a very individual thing. A lot has to do with the person himself. Different individuals are driven in a different way by passion and desire. Passion, desire and physical fitness, all of these elements are important.

I don’t think he needs any tips from me. He knows what he needs to do. He was never far away from Formula One. He knows he is up-to-date with everything. The only tip that I can say to him is just really enjoy the hell out of himself. And I think he will.

No. When I decided to drive Formula One full time I was already 35 and I raced in it till I was about 40. Then I resumed my career here in the United States, so there was no point in coming back. I only came back one time, in 1982 with Ferrari, to substitute (Didier) Pironi when he was injured and I had a very successful race in Monza. But once I came out of F1, the opportunities were here in the States and I had won another championship. After I won the world championship (F1, 1978), I won 18 more here in the US. I was satisfied with the way my career was and that’s why I was able to race until I was in my mid-50’s.

Mario Andretti in a Lotus at the 1978 German GP © AP Images

Yea, it’s wonderful to see that. Lotus would be back in the running. The brand is obviously recognised around the world by race fans and mainstream media as well. It’s great to see them in the play again and I wish them well. It’s very important then to get some results to keep honour in that brand.

They have a certain responsibility themselves and I am sure that there is a lot of pride there as well. But there are no guarantees. It’s a very competitive world and they are pretty much a start-up team with a lot of experienced talent too. It’s never a given and I am sure they are under no illusion that things are going to be easy. All we can do is wish them well and I will be a big fan of the team and watching them very closely.