When Michael Schumacher announced his retirement after winning the Italian Grand Prix in Monza last September, the news was was greeted with tears and trepidation. By the time he bravely fought his way to fourth place in Sao Paulo in late October, the realisation that he would no longer be competing saddened Formula One fans.

Such was the German ace’s grip on the sport that it comes as some kind of consolation that he had as many detractors as supporters. His mastery of the vehicle, as well as his desire to win at all costs, were the defining factors of a man whose name will surely pass into legend. Who will fill the gap?

Schumacher commanded a legion of fanatics who swathed the stands in red. Will these fans continue to follow Ferrari? Or was the manufacturer simply a flag to hoist once Schumacher left Benetton for the Prancing Horse in 1996. Will they latch onto the bland monosyllabic Kimi Raikkonen or, less likely, opt for Michael’s brother Ralf (who is not even the best driver in his own family).

This also raises another question -- is F1 a team sport? Do fans draw allegiances according to an individual or by following a team through thick and thin? FIA President Max Mosely and the impish Bernie Ecclestone will be hoping that the thousands of Schumacher stalwarts stick with F1; indeed, Ferrari is still paying the German $6million, seemingly just to be present at races.

There are many new young faces eager to become the favourite of the crowds. Lewis Hamilton is surely destined for greatness, but as Jenson Button can attest, destiny can sometimes be misguided.

There will at least be a battle for the title, something that Schumacher's brilliance prevented in most of the seven title-winning seasons he presided over. It will probably come down to Kimi versus double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Judging by the 45,000 fans who packed into Melbourne’s Albert Park for Friday’s practice, there are many out there who wait with eager anticipation for the coming of a new hero.

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