Michael Schumacher has effectively ruined Christmas for Ferrari’s loyal ‘Tifosi’.

The seven-time World Champion is returning to F1 in 2010, but this time, he won’t be wearing the Scarlet Red of Ferrari->ke252. In a stomach-churning shot to the gut for every die-hard Ferrari fan all over the world, Schumi is returning to the sport...with Mercede->ke187s GP.

While speculation has run rampant for a couple of weeks now regarding the Mercedes GP-Schumacher tandem, it wasn’t until today when the Brackley- based team all but confirmed the news that the deal has been signed, sealed, and delivered. In a teleconference held to announce the news, Schumacher said that after three years of being in the sidelines, he has regained the energy and enthusiasm to compete in the most glamorous racing series in the world – one in which he dominated for most of the decade before calling it quits in 2006.

Continued after the jump.

In the ultimate twist of irony, Schumacher’s return to F1 would have taken place this year with Ferrari following Felipe Massa’s serious accident at the Hungarian GP. But a neck injury, which he sustained months before in a motorcycle accident, prevented Schumi from making a comeback with Scuderia.

But now, according to Schumacher, the neck injury is now fully healed. "My neck is no longer a problem," said the seven time Formula One Champion. "Over the summer it was too soon after the accident. Now everything has healed."

Schumacher’s neck may be healed but rest assured, it’s going to take a long time for the Tifosi to heal from this shocking development. Michael Schumacher is coming back to Formula One – and he’ll be racing for the enemy.