Michael Schumacher has expressed his sadness at Eddie Irvine's enforced retirement from Formula One.

The world champion, a former team-mate of the Northern Irishman, said a "piece of glamour" was disappearing from the sport.

Irvine has said he will not be driving in F1 this year following the breakdown of negotiations for a drive with Jordan.

Schumacher said Irvine's absence was "really a shame".

The five-times world champion said: "When Eddie and I were driving together at Ferrari we got along very well and had a lot of fun, very unlikely because we are so different.

"I think it is not only me who will miss him - there will be a piece of glamour disappearing from Formula One."

Eddie Irvine started driving for Ferrari in 1996 alongside Michael Schumacher but was pushed out at the end of the 1999 season where he could up wrapped up the title in Japan.