Ralf Schumacher has explained his motives after a major newspaper reported that he is one of only a handful of drivers who is not planning to attend his brother’s retirement party after the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The popular Bild daily in Germany revealed that Ralf is scheduled to fly home to Austria mere hours after the chequered flag at Interlagos, and indicated that it is a further sign of the siblings’ estranged relationship.

But Ralf protested: “I am flying home as quickly as I can because it is my son’s birthday on Monday. He will be five years old. ”

The Toyota driver insisted that he and Michael, who is six years older, will have ‘plenty of opportunities’ in the future to share a drink in celebration of Schumacher’s last Grand Prix.

[GMM]

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