Michael Schumacher has decided to join the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, backtracking on his decision not to be a part of the body.
The seven-time champion, a GPDA director before retiring from the sport, had said last month that he was not planning to join the body now that he was back in Formula 1.
"I'm not intending [to join]," said Schumacher. "After all the years I have been involved in setting it up, the guys have been doing a good job for three years. I don't think they need me. And, as I'm not here for the long-term future, only for a limited time, I don't think I should get involved."
However, Schumacher has changed his mind and has decided to join the GPDA as a silent member.
"Michael always supported the work of the GPDA, for many years as a director," said a spokesperson for the German driver. After he retired, the work had been successfully taken over by the younger drivers, and at first Michael was hesitant to join as he did not want to be involved again.
"But after some thoughts and discussions, mainly with Felipe Massa, he reconsidered this initial decision and will now be a silent member."