Misplaced Pages

Michael Schumacher

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by CtrlXctrlV (talk | contribs) at 13:06, 23 December 2015 (Reverted 1 edit by 178.175.52.131 (talk) to last revision by 81.159.191.188. (TW)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 13:06, 23 December 2015 by CtrlXctrlV (talk | contribs) (Reverted 1 edit by 178.175.52.131 (talk) to last revision by 81.159.191.188. (TW))(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) This article is about the German racing driver. For the track and field athlete from Luxembourg, see Mike Schumacher.
Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher in 2011
Born (1969-01-03) 3 January 1969 (age 55)
Hürth, West Germany
Formula One World Championship career
NationalityGermany German
Active years19912006, 20102012
TeamsJordan, Benetton, Ferrari, Mercedes
Entries308 (306 starts)
Championships7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Wins91
Podiums155
Career points1,566
Pole positions68
Fastest laps77
First entry1991 Belgian Grand Prix
First win1992 Belgian Grand Prix
Last win2006 Chinese Grand Prix
Last entry2012 Brazilian Grand Prix
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years1991
TeamsTeam Sauber Mercedes
Best finish5th in C2 (1991)
Class wins0

Michael Schumacher (German pronunciation: [ˈmɪçaʔɛl ˈʃuːmaxɐ] ; born 3 January 1969) is a retired German racing driver. He is a seven-time Formula One World Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year twice. He won two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995. After his second title he moved to Ferrari for which he drove eleven years. His time with Ferrari yielded five consecutive titles between 2000 and 2004.

He holds many of Formula One's driver records, including most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions and most races won in a single season – 13 in 2004 (the last of these records was equalled by fellow German Sebastian Vettel nine years later). In 2002, he became the only driver in Formula One history to finish in the top three in every race of a season and then also broke the record for most consecutive podium finishes. According to the official Formula One website, he is "statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen".

After beginning with karting, Schumacher won the German drivers' championships in Formula König and Formula Three before joining Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship. In 1991, his Mercedes-funded race debut for the Jordan Formula One team resulted in Schumacher being signed by Benetton Formula One team as their driver for the rest of that season. Establishing himself as a top driver, finishing third in 1992 and fourth in 1993, Schumacher became the first German World Drivers' Champion in 1994 by one point over Damon Hill. In 1995 he repeated the success, this time with a greater margin. Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996. Schumacher came close to winning the 1997 and 1998 titles, before breaking his leg at the 1999 British Grand Prix, ending another title run. Things then came good for Schumacher who won another five consecutive drivers' titles from 2000 to 2004. Schumacher retired from Formula One driving in 2006 staying with Ferrari as an advisor. He came close to an eighth title that year, but due to technical problems in the final two races he fell short to Fernando Alonso. Schumacher agreed to return for Ferrari part-way through 2009, as cover for the badly injured Felipe Massa, but was prevented by a neck injury. Schumacher returned to Formula One on a permanent basis from 2010 with the Mercedes team before retiring for a second time at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

His career was not without controversy, including being twice involved in collisions in the final race of a season that determined the outcome of the World Championship, with Damon Hill in 1994 in Adelaide, and with Jacques Villeneuve in 1997 in Jerez. Off the track Schumacher is an ambassador for UNESCO and a spokesman for driver safety. He has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts throughout his life and donated tens of millions of dollars to charity. Schumacher and his younger brother, Ralf, are the only brothers to win races in Formula One, and they were the first brothers to finish 1st and 2nd in the same race, a feat they repeated in four subsequent races.

In December 2013, Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing. He was airlifted to a hospital and placed in a medically induced coma, having suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was in the coma for six months from 29 December 2013 until 16 June 2014. He left the hospital in Grenoble for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne. On 9 September 2014, Schumacher was relocated to his home where he continues to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation privately.

Early years

Schumacher's title-winning German Formula Three car from 1990

Schumacher was born in Hürth, North Rhine-Westphalia, to Rolf Schumacher, a bricklayer, and his wife Elisabeth. When Schumacher was four, his father modified his pedal kart by adding a small motorcycle engine. When Schumacher crashed it into a lamp post in Kerpen, his parents took him to the karting track at Kerpen-Horrem, where he became the youngest member of the karting club. His father soon built him a kart from discarded parts and at the age of six Schumacher won his first club championship. To support his son's racing, Rolf Schumacher took on a second job renting and repairing karts, while his wife worked at the track's canteen. Nevertheless, when Michael needed a new engine costing 800 DM, his parents were unable to afford it; he was able to continue racing with support from local businessmen.

Regulations in Germany require a driver to be at least fourteen years old to obtain a kart license. To get around this, Schumacher obtained a license in Luxembourg at the age of 12.

In 1983, he obtained his German license, a year after he won the German Junior Kart Championship. From 1984 on, Schumacher won many German and European kart championships. He joined Eurokart dealer Adolf Neubert in 1985 and by 1987 he was the German and European kart champion, then he quit school and began working as a mechanic. In 1988 he made his first step into single-seat car racing by participating in the German Formula Ford and Formula König series, winning the latter.

In 1989, Schumacher signed with Willi Weber's WTS Formula Three team. Funded by Weber, he competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. He also won the Macau Grand Prix. At the end of 1990, along with his Formula 3 rivals Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger, he joined the Mercedes junior racing programme in the World Sports-Prototype Championship. This was unusual for a young driver: most of Schumacher's contemporaries would compete in Formula 3000 on the way to Formula One. However, Weber advised Schumacher that being exposed to professional press conferences and driving powerful cars in long distance races would help his career. In the 1990 World Sportscar Championship season, Schumacher won the season finale at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in a SauberMercedes C11, and finished fifth in the drivers' championship despite only driving in three of the nine races. He continued with the team in the 1991 World Sportscar Championship season, winning again at the final race of the season at Autopolis in Japan with a SauberMercedes-Benz C291, leading to a ninth-place finish in the drivers' championship. He also competed at Le Mans during that season, finishing 5th in a car shared with Karl Wendlinger and Fritz Kreutzpointner. In 1991, he competed in one race in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship, finishing second.

Formula One career

Schumacher was noted throughout his career for his ability to produce fast laps at crucial moments in a race, to push his car to the very limit for sustained periods. Motor sport author Christopher Hilton observed in 2003 that "A measure of a driver's capabilities is his performance in wet races, because the most delicate car control and sensitivity are needed", and noted that like other great drivers, Schumacher's record in wet conditions shows very few mistakes: up to the end of the 2003 season, Schumacher won 17 of the 30 races in wet conditions he contested. Some of Schumacher's best performances occurred in such conditions, earning him the nicknames "Regenkönig" (rain king) or "Regenmeister" (rain master), even in the non-German-language media. He is known as "the Red Baron", because of his red Ferrari and in reference to the German Manfred von Richthofen, the famous flying ace of World War I. Schumacher's nicknames include "Schumi", "Schuey" and "Schu". Schumacher is often credited with popularising Formula One in Germany, where it was formerly considered a fringe sport. When Schumacher retired in 2006, three of the top ten drivers were German, more than any other nationality and more than have ever been present in Formula One history. Younger German drivers, such as Sebastian Vettel, felt Schumacher was key in their becoming Formula One drivers. In the latter part of his Formula One career, and as one of the senior drivers, Schumacher was the president of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. In a 2006 FIA survey, Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular driver of the season among Formula One fans.

Jordan (1991)

Schumacher testing the Jordan 191

Schumacher made his Formula One debut with the Jordan-Ford team at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, driving car number 32 as a replacement for the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot. Schumacher, still a contracted Mercedes driver, was signed by Eddie Jordan after Mercedes paid Jordan $150,000 for his debut.

Belgian Grand Prix debut

The week before the race, Schumacher impressed Jordan designer Gary Anderson and team manager Trevor Foster during a test drive at Silverstone. His manager Willi Weber assured Jordan that Schumacher knew the challenging Spa track well, although in fact he had only seen it as a spectator. During the race weekend, team-mate Andrea de Cesaris was meant to show Schumacher the circuit, but was held up with contract negotiations. Schumacher then learned the track on his own, by cycling around the track on a fold-up bike he had brought with him. He impressed the paddock by qualifying seventh in this race. This matched the team's season-best grid position, and out-qualified 11-year veteran de Cesaris. Motorsport journalist Joe Saward reported that after qualifying "clumps of German journalists were talking about 'the best talent since Stefan Bellof'". Schumacher retired on the first lap of the race with clutch problems.

Benetton (1991–1995)

Schumacher driving for Benetton at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix

Following his Belgian Grand Prix debut, and despite an agreement in principle between Jordan and Schumacher's Mercedes management that would see the German race for the Irish team for the remainder of the season, Schumacher was engaged by Benetton-Ford for the following race. Jordan applied for an injunction in the UK courts to prevent Schumacher driving for Benetton, but lost the case as they had not yet signed a final contract.

1991-1993

Schumacher finished the 1991 season with four points out of six races. His best finish was fifth in his second race, the Italian Grand Prix, in which he finished ahead of his team-mate and three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet.

At the start of the 1992 season the Sauber team, planning their Formula One debut with Mercedes backing for the following year, invoked a clause in Schumacher's contract that stated that if Mercedes entered Formula One, Schumacher would drive for them. It was eventually agreed that Schumacher would stay with Benetton, Peter Sauber said that " didn't want to drive for us. Why would I have forced him?". The year was dominated by the Williams of Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese, featuring powerful Renault engines, semi-automatic gearboxes and active suspension to control the car's ride height. In the "conventional" Benetton B192 Schumacher took his place on the podium for the first time, finishing third in the Mexican Grand Prix. He went on to take his first victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, in a wet race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which by 2003 he would call "far and away my favourite track". He finished third in the Drivers' Championship in 1992 with 53 points, three points behind runner-up Patrese.

The Williams of Damon Hill and Alain Prost also dominated the 1993 season. Benetton introduced their own active suspension and traction control early in the season, last of the frontrunning teams to do so. Schumacher won one race, the Portuguese Grand Prix where he beat Prost, and had nine podium finishes, but retired in seven of the other 15 races. He finished the season in fourth, with 52 points.

1994–1995: World Championship years

Schumacher drove the Benetton B194 to his first World Championship in 1994.
Schumacher driving for Benetton at the 1995 British Grand Prix

The 1994 season was Schumacher's first Drivers' Championship. The season, however, was marred by the deaths of Ayrton Senna (witnessed by Schumacher, who was directly behind in 2nd position) and Roland Ratzenberger during the San Marino Grand Prix, and by allegations that several teams, but most particularly Schumacher's Benetton team, broke the sport's technical regulations.

Schumacher won six of the first seven races and was leading the Spanish Grand Prix, before a gearbox failure left him stuck in fifth gear. Schumacher finished the race in second place. Following the San Marino Grand Prix, the Benetton, Ferrari and McLaren teams were investigated on suspicion of breaking the FIA-imposed ban on electronic aids. Benetton and McLaren initially refused to hand over their source code for investigation. When they did so, the FIA discovered hidden functionality in both teams' software, but no evidence that it had been used in a race. Both teams were fined $100,000 for their initial refusal to cooperate. However, the McLaren software, which was a gearbox program that allowed automatic shifts, was deemed legal. By contrast, the Benetton software was deemed to be a form of "launch control" that would have allowed Schumacher to make perfect starts, which was explicitly outlawed by the regulations. However, there was no evidence to suggest that this software was actually used. At the British Grand Prix, Schumacher was penalised for overtaking on the formation lap. He then ignored the penalty and the subsequent black flag, which indicates that the driver must immediately return to the pits, for which he was disqualified and later given a two-race ban. Benetton blamed the incident on a communication error between the stewards and the team. Schumacher was also disqualified after winning the Belgian Grand Prix after his car was found to have illegal wear on its skidblock, a measure used after the accidents at Imola to limit downforce and hence cornering speed. Benetton protested that the skidblock had been damaged when Schumacher spun over a kerb, but the FIA rejected their appeal because of the pattern of wear and damage visible on the block. These incidents helped Damon Hill close the points gap, and Schumacher led by a single point going into the final race in Australia. On lap 36 Schumacher hit the guardrail on the outside of the track while leading. Hill attempted to pass, but as Schumacher's car returned to the track there was a collision on the corner causing them both to retire. As a result, Schumacher won a very controversial championship, the first German to do so (Jochen Rindt raced under the Austrian flag). At the FIA conference after the race, the new World Champion dedicated his title to Ayrton Senna.

In 1995 Schumacher successfully defended his title with Benetton. He now had the same Renault engine as Williams. He accumulated 33 more points than second-placed Damon Hill. With team-mate Johnny Herbert, he took Benetton to its first Constructors' Championship and became the youngest two-time World Champion in Formula One history.

The season was marred by several collisions with Hill, in particular an overtaking manoeuvre by Hill took them both out of the British Grand Prix on lap 45 and again on lap 23 of the Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher won nine of the 17 races, and finished on the podium 11 times. Only once did he qualify worse than fourth; at the Belgian Grand Prix, he qualified 16th, but went on to win the race.

Ferrari (1996–2006)

In 1996, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers' Championship in 1979 and the Constructors' Championship in 1983, for a salary of $60 million over 2 years. He left Benetton a year before his contract with them expired; he later cited the team's damaging actions in 1994 as his reason for opting out of his deal. A year later Benetton employees Rory Byrne (designer) and Ross Brawn (Technical Director) joined Ferrari.

Ferrari had previously come close to the championship in 1982 and 1990. The team had suffered a disastrous downturn in the early 1990s, partially as its famous V12 engine was no longer competitive against the smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient V10s of its competitors. Various drivers, notably Alain Prost, had given the vehicles labels such as "truck", "pig", and "accident waiting to happen". Furthermore, the poor performance of the Ferrari pit crews was considered a running joke. At the end of 1995, though the team had improved into a solid competitor, it was still considered inferior to front-running teams such as Benetton and Williams. Schumacher declared the Ferrari 412T good enough to win the Championship.

Schumacher, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, and Jean Todt (hired in 1993), have been credited as turning this once struggling team into the most successful team in Formula One history. Three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart believes the transformation of the Ferrari team was Schumacher's greatest feat. Eddie Irvine also joined the team, moving from Jordan.

1996–1999

"It was not a race. It was a demonstration of brilliance."

Stirling Moss about Schumacher at the 1996 Spanish GP

Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship in 1996 and helped Ferrari to second place in the Constructors' Championship ahead of his old team Benetton. He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995. Early in the 1996 season the car had reliability trouble and Schumacher did not finish six of the 16 races. He took his first win for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he lapped the entire field up to third place in the wet. In the French Grand Prix Schumacher qualified in pole position, but suffered engine failure on the race's formation lap. However at Spa-Francorchamps, Schumacher used well-timed pit-stops to fend off Williams's Jacques Villeneuve. Following that, at Monza, Schumacher won in front of the tifosi. Schumacher's ability, combined with the improving reliability of Ferrari, enabled him to end the season putting up a challenge to eventual race and championship winner Damon Hill at the Suzuka.

Schumacher celebrates a second-place finish at the 1997 German Grand Prix.
Schumacher battles with David Coulthard at the 1998 British Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve vied for the title in 1997. Villeneuve, driving the superior Williams FW19, led the championship in the early part of the season. However, by mid-season, Schumacher had taken the championship lead, winning five races, and entered the season's final Grand Prix with a one-point advantage. Towards the end of the race, held at Jerez, Schumacher's Ferrari developed a coolant leak and loss of performance indicating he may not finish the race. As Villeneuve approached to pass his rival, Schumacher attempted to provoke an accident, but got the short end of the stick, retiring from the race. Villeneuve went on and scored four points to take the championship. Schumacher was punished for unsportsmanlike conduct for the collision and was disqualified from the Drivers' Championship.

In 1998, Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen became Schumacher's main title competition. Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16-point advantage over Schumacher. Schumacher then won in Argentina and, with the Ferrari improving significantly in the second half of the season, Schumacher took six victories and had five other podium finishes. Ferrari took a 1–2 finish at the French Grand Prix, the first Ferrari 1–2 finish since 1990, and the Italian Grand Prix, which tied Schumacher with Häkkinen for the lead of the Drivers' Championship with 80 points, but Häkkinen won the Championship by winning the final two races. There were two controversies; at the British Grand Prix Schumacher was leading on the last lap when he turned into the pit lane, crossed the start finish line and stopped for a ten-second stop go penalty. There was some doubt whether this counted as serving the penalty, but, because he had crossed the finish line when he came into the pit lane, the win was valid. At Spa, Schumacher was leading the race by 40 seconds in heavy spray, but collided with David Coulthard's McLaren when the Scot, a lap down, slowed in very poor visibility to let Schumacher past. After both cars returned to the pits, Schumacher leaped out of his car and headed to McLaren's garage in an infuriated manner and accused Coulthard of trying to kill him.

Rumours circulated that Coulthard may be replaced by Schumacher for the 1999 season and beyond and, in a previous edition of the F1 Racing magazine, Ron Dennis revealed that he had approached Schumacher to sign a deal with McLaren. However, peripheral financial issues that tied Schumacher with Ferrari, such as sponsorship agreements and payment, could not be rectified in a move to the rival team and so no deal came to fruition.

Schumacher's efforts helped Ferrari win the Constructors title in 1999. He lost his chance to win the Drivers' Championship at the British Grand Prix at the high-speed Stowe Corner, his car's rear brake failed, sending him off the track and resulting in a broken leg. During his 98-day absence, he was replaced by Finnish driver Mika Salo. After missing six races he made his return at the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix, qualifying in pole position by almost a second. He then assumed the role of second driver, assisting team mate Eddie Irvine's bid to win the Drivers' Championship for Ferrari. In the last race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix, Häkkinen won his second consecutive title. Schumacher would later say that Häkkinen was the opponent he respected the most.

2000–2004: World Championship years

Schumacher won his fourth World title in 2001.
Schumacher driving the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F2002 at the 2002 French Grand Prix, the race at which he clinched the 2002 Drivers' Championship, setting the record for the fewest races in locking up the title

During this period Schumacher won more races and championships than any other driver in the history of the sport. Schumacher won his third World Championship in 2000 after a year-long battle with Häkkinen. Schumacher won the first three races of the season and five of the first eight. Mid-way through the year, Schumacher's chances suffered with three consecutive non-finishes, allowing Häkkinen to close the gap in the standings. Häkkinen then took another two victories, before Schumacher won at the Italian Grand Prix. At the post race press conference, after equalling the number of wins (41) won by his idol, Ayrton Senna, Schumacher broke into tears. The championship fight would come down to the penultimate race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, Schumacher lost the lead to Häkkinen at the start. After his second pit-stop, however, Schumacher came out ahead of Häkkinen and went on to win the race and the championship.

In 2001, Schumacher took his fourth drivers' title. Four other drivers won races, but none sustained a season-long challenge for the championship. Schumacher scored a record-tying nine wins and clinched the World Championship with four races yet to run. He finished the championship with 123 points, 58 ahead of runner-up Coulthard. Season highlights included the Canadian Grand Prix, where Schumacher finished 2nd to his brother Ralf, thus scoring the first ever 1–2 finish by brothers in Formula One; and the Belgian Grand Prix in which Schumacher scored his 52nd career win, breaking Alain Prost's record for most career wins.

In 2002, Schumacher used the Ferrari F2002 to retain his Drivers' Championship. There was again some controversy, however, at the Austrian Grand Prix, where his teammate, Rubens Barrichello was leading, but in the final metres of the race, under team orders, slowed down to allow Schumacher to win the race. The crowd broke into outraged boos at the result and Schumacher tried to make amends by allowing Barrichello to stand on the top step of the podium. At the United States Grand Prix later that year, Schumacher dominated the race and was set for a close finish with Barrichello. At the end he slowed down to create a formation finish with Barrichello, but slowed too much allowing Barrichello to take the victory. In winning the Drivers' Championship he equalled the record set by Juan Manuel Fangio of five World Championships. Ferrari won 15 out of 17 races, and Schumacher won the title with six races remaining in the season, which is still the earliest point in the season for a driver to be crowned World Champion. Schumacher broke his own record, shared with Nigel Mansell, of nine race wins in a season, by winning eleven times and finishing every race on the podium. He finished with 144 points, a record-breaking 67 points ahead of the runner-up, his teammate Rubens Barrichello. This pair finished nine of the 17 races in the first two places.

Schumacher at Indianapolis in 2004, where he won the 2004 United States Grand Prix

Schumacher broke Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five World Drivers' Championships by winning the drivers' title for the sixth time in 2003, a closely contested season. The biggest competition came once again from the McLaren Mercedes and Williams BMW teams. In the first race, Schumacher ran off track, and in the following two, was involved in collisions. He fell 16 points behind Kimi Räikkönen. Schumacher won the San Marino Grand Prix and the next two races, and closed within two points of Räikkönen. Aside from Schumacher's victory in Canada, and Barrichello's victory in Britain, the mid-season was dominated by Williams drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, who each claimed two victories. After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher led Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen by only one and two points, respectively. Ahead of the next race, the FIA announced changes to the way tyre widths were to be measured: this forced Michelin, supplier to Williams and McLaren among others, to rapidly redesign their tyres before the Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher, running on Bridgestone tyres, won the next two races. After Montoya was penalised in the United States Grand Prix, only Schumacher and Räikkönen remained in contention for the title. At the final round, the Japanese Grand Prix, Schumacher needed only one point whilst Räikkönen needed to win. By finishing the race in eighth place, Schumacher took one point and assured his sixth World Drivers' title, ending the season two points ahead of Räikkönen.

In 2004, Schumacher won a record twelve of the first thirteen races of the season, only failing to finish in Monaco after an accident with Juan Pablo Montoya during a safety car period when he briefly locked his car's brakes. He clinched a record seventh drivers' title at the Belgian Grand Prix. He finished that season with a record 148 points, 34 points ahead of the runner-up, teammate Rubens Barrichello, and set a new record of 13 race wins out of a possible 18, surpassing his previous best of 11 wins from the 2002 season.

2005–2006

Schumacher battling with Kimi Räikkönen during the 2005 Canadian Grand Prix

Rule changes for the 2005 season required tyres to last an entire race, tipping the overall advantage to teams using Michelins over teams such as Ferrari that relied on Bridgestone tyres. The rule changes were partly in an effort to dent Ferrari's dominance and make the series more interesting. The most notable moment of the early season for Schumacher was his battle with Fernando Alonso in San Marino, where he started 13th and finished only 0.2 seconds behind the Spanish driver. Less than half-way through the season, Schumacher said "I don't think I can count myself in this battle any more. It was like trying to fight with a blunted weapon.... If your weapons are weak you don't have a chance." Schumacher's sole win in 2005 came at the United States Grand Prix. Prior to that race, the Michelin tyres were found to have significant safety issues. When no compromise between the teams and the FIA could be reached, all but the six drivers using Bridgestone tyres dropped out of the race after the formation lap. Schumacher retired in six of the 19 races. He finished the season in third with 62 points, fewer than half the points of World Champion Alonso.

2006 became the last season of Schumacher's Ferrari career. After three races, Schumacher had just 11 points and was already 17 points behind Alonso. He won the following two races. His pole position at San Marino was his 66th, breaking Ayrton Senna's 12-year-old record.

Schumacher was stripped of pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix and started the race at the back of the grid. This was due to his stopping his car and blocking part of the circuit while Alonso was on his qualifying lap; he still managed to work his way up to 5th place on the notoriously cramped Monaco circuit. By the Canadian Grand Prix, the ninth race of the season, Schumacher was 25 points behind Alonso, but he then won the following three races to reduce his disadvantage to 11. After his victories in Italy (in which Alonso had an engine failure) and China, in which Alonso had tyre problems, Schumacher led in the championship standings for the first time during the season. Although he and Alonso had the same point total, Schumacher was in front because he had won more races.

Schumacher overtakes Kimi Räikkönen for 4th with three laps to go of his final race for three years at Interlagos, having dropped to 19th early on

The Japanese Grand Prix was led by Schumacher with only 16 laps to go, when, for the first time since the 2000 French Grand Prix, Schumacher's car suffered an engine failure. Alonso won the race, giving himself a ten-point championship lead. With only one race left in the season, Schumacher could only win the championship if he won the season finale and Alonso scored no points.

Before the Brazilian Grand Prix, Schumacher conceded the title to Alonso. In pre-race ceremonies, football legend Pelé presented a trophy to Schumacher for his years of dedication to Formula One. During the race's qualifying session, Schumacher had one of the quickest times during the first session and was fastest in the second session; but a fuel pressure problem prevented him from completing a single lap during the third session, forcing him to start the race in tenth position. Early in the race Schumacher moved up to sixth place. However, in overtaking Alonso's teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella, Schumacher experienced a tyre puncture caused by the front wing of Fisichella's car. Schumacher pitted and consequently fell to 19th place, 70 seconds behind teammate and race leader Felipe Massa. Schumacher recovered and overtook both Fisichella and Räikkönen to secure fourth place. His performance was classified in the press as "heroic", an "utterly breath-taking drive", and a "performance that ... sums up his career".

2007-2009: retirement at Ferrari

BMW Sauber with "Thanks Michael" messages towards Michael Schumacher on the back of their cars, Schumacher and Peter Sauber worked together in sports cars prior to entering F1 in 1992

While Schumacher was on the podium after winning the 2006 Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari issued a press release stating that he would retire from racing at the end of the 2006 season. Schumacher confirmed his retirement. The press release stated that Schumacher would continue working for Ferrari. It was revealed on 29 October 2006 that Ferrari wanted Schumacher to act as assistant to the newly appointed CEO Jean Todt. This would involve selecting the team's future drivers. After Schumacher's announcement, leading Formula One figures such as Niki Lauda and David Coulthard hailed Schumacher as the greatest all-round racing driver in the history of Formula One. The tifosi and the Italian press, who did not always take to Schumacher's relatively cold public persona, displayed an affectionate response after he announced his retirement.

2007: Ferrari adviser

He attended several Grands Prix during the season. Schumacher drove the Ferrari F2007 for the first time on 24 October at Ferrari's home track in Fiorano, Italy. He ran no more than five laps and no lap times were recorded. A Ferrari spokesman said the short drive was done for the Fiat board of directors who were holding their meeting in Maranello.

Schumacher at Finali Mondiali celebrations in the F2007

During the 2007 season Schumacher acted as Ferrari's adviser and Jean Todt's 'super assistant'. On 13 November 2007 Schumacher, who had not driven a Formula One car since he had retired a year earlier, undertook a formal test session for the first time aboard the F2007. He returned in December 2007 to continue helping Ferrari with their development programme at Jerez circuit. He focused on testing electronics and tyres for the 2008 Formula One season.

2008: Ferrari road car development

In 2007, former Ferrari top manager Ross Brawn said that Schumacher was very likely and also happy to continue testing in 2008; Schumacher later explained his role further saying that he would "deal with the development of the car inside Gestione Sportiva" and as part of that "I'd like to drive, but not too often".

During 2008 Schumacher also competed in motorcycle racing in the IDM Superbike-series, but stated that he had no intention of a second competitive career in this sport. He was quoted as saying that riding a Ducati was the most exhilarating thing he had done in his life, the second most being sky diving.

2009: planned Massa substitution

Schumacher at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix

In his capacity as racing advisor to Ferrari, Schumacher was present in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix when Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was seriously injured after being struck by a suspension spring during qualifying. As it became clear that Massa would be unable to compete in the next race at Valencia Schumacher was chosen as a replacement for the Brazilian driver and on 29 July 2009, Ferrari announced that they planned to draft in Schumacher for the European Grand Prix and subsequent Grands Prix until Massa was able to race again. Schumacher tested in a modified F2007 to prepare himself as he had been unable to test the 2009 car due to testing restrictions. Ferrari appealed for special permission for Schumacher to test in a 2009 spec car, but Williams, Red Bull and Toro Rosso were against this test. In the end, Schumacher was forced to call off his return due to the severity of the neck injury he had received in a motorcycle accident earlier in the year. Massa's place at Ferrari was instead filled by Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Mercedes (2010–2012)

In December 2009 it was announced that Schumacher would be returning to Formula One in the 2010 season alongside fellow German driver Nico Rosberg in the new Mercedes GP team. The new Mercedes team was their first majority involvement in an F1 team since 1955. Schumacher stated that his preparations to replace the injured Massa for Ferrari had initiated a renewed interest in F1, which, combined with the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition to drive for Mercedes and to be working again with team principal Ross Brawn, led Schumacher to accept the offer once he was passed fit. After a period of intensive training medical tests, it was confirmed that the neck injury that had prevented him driving for Ferrari the year before had fully healed. Schumacher signed a three-year contract, reportedly worth £20m.

Schumacher's surprise return to F1 was compared to Niki Lauda's in 1982 aged 33 and Nigel Mansell's return in 1994 at age 41. Schumacher turned 41 in January 2010 and his prospects with Mercedes were compared with the record set by the oldest F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio who was 46 when he won his fifth championship.

2010: return from retirement

Schumacher practising for the Malaysian Grand Prix from which he retired with a faulty wheel nut

Schumacher's first drive of the 2010 Mercedes car – the Mercedes MGP W01 – was at an official test in February 2010 in Valencia. He finished sixth in the first race of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix. After the Malaysian race former driver Stirling Moss suggested that Schumacher, who had finished behind his team-mate in each of the first four qualifying sessions and races, might be "past it". Many other respected former Formula One drivers thought otherwise, including former rival Damon Hill, who warned "you should never write Schumacher off". GrandPrix.com identified the inherent understeer of the Mercedes car, exacerbated by the narrower front tyres introduced for the 2010 season, as contributing to Schumacher's difficulties. Jenson Button would later claim that Mercedes 2010 car was designed for him, and that their differing driving styles may have contributed to Schumacher's difficulties.

Mercedes upgraded their car for the Spanish Grand Prix where Schumacher finished fourth. At the Monaco Grand Prix Schumacher finished sixth after passing Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on the final corner of the race when the safety car returned to the pits. However, he was penalised 20 seconds after the race by the race stewards dropping him to 12th. The stewards judged the pass to be in breach of the FIA's sporting code. Mercedes' differing interpretation of the regulation would later lead to it being clarified by the FIA.

Schumacher's 2010 season ended with a first lap crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In Turkey, Schumacher qualified fifth, and finished fourth in the race, both his best results since his return. In European Grand Prix in Valencia, Schumacher finished 15th, the lowest recorded finish in his career. In Hungary, Schumacher finished outside the points in eleventh, but was found guilty of dangerous driving at 180 mph (290 km/h) while unsuccessfully defending tenth position against Rubens Barrichello. As a result, he was demoted ten places on the grid for the following race, the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh, despite starting 21st after his grid penalty.

At the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Schumacher was involved in a major accident on the first lap, which occurred after a spin initiated by Rosberg. In recovering from the incident Vitantonio Liuzzi's collided with Schumacher, barely missing his head. Nobody was hurt in the crash, but Schumacher said the crash had been "frightening".

It was Schumacher's first season since his début in 1991 that he finished without a win, pole position, podium or fastest lap. He finished the season 9th with 72 points.

2011

Schumacher at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix

Schumacher's first points of 2011 were scored in Malaysia, he later came sixth in Spain and had a strong race at the Canadian Grand Prix finishing fourth, after running as high as second in a wet race. Schumacher was passed late in the race by eventual winner Jenson Button.

Schumacher finished fourth in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Schumacher clashed with Vitaly Petrov in Valencia, and with Kamui Kobayashi in Britain, and marked the 20th anniversary of his Formula One début at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite starting last in Belgium, Schumacher raced well and finished fifth. Schumacher again raced well in Italy, duelling with Lewis Hamilton for fourth place. The Japanese Grand Prix saw Schumacher lead three laps during the race, marking the first time he had led a race since 2006. In doing so, he became the oldest driver to lead a race since Jack Brabham in 1970.

At the Indian Grand Prix Schumacher started well and finished fifth after overtaking Rosberg at the end of the race. Schumacher diced again with Rosberg in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, battling over sixth position on the first lap. Schumacher finished the season in eighth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 76 points.

2012: final season

Schumacher climbs out of his car after spinning off during the final practice session at the Australian Grand Prix. He retired from the race with gearbox problems.

Schumacher was again partnered by Rosberg at Mercedes for the 2012 season. Schumacher retired from the inaugural race of the season Australian Grand Prix, and scored a point in the second race in Malaysia. In China Schumacher started on the front row alongside Rosberg on pole, but retired due to a loose wheel after a mechanics error during a pit stop.

After causing a collision with Bruno Senna in Spain, Schumacher received a five-place grid penalty for the Monaco Grand Prix. Schumacher was fastest in qualifying in Monaco; but started sixth owing to his penalty. He later retired from seventh place in the race.

Schumacher qualified fastest at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix

At the European Grand Prix, Schumacher finished third in the race, his only podium finish since his return to F1 with Mercedes. At the age of 43 years and 173 days, he became the oldest driver to achieve a podium since Jack Brabham's second-place finish at the 1970 British Grand Prix. Further records were set by Schumacher in Germany, where he set the fastest lap in a Grand Prix for the 77th time in his career, and in Belgium where he became the second driver in history to race in 300 Grands Prix.

Schumacher at the 2012 US Grand Prix

Schumacher's indecision over his future plans in F1 led to him being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2013 season. In October 2012, Schumacher announced he would retire for a second time at the conclusion of the season. The following week he was quoted as saying: "There were times in the past few months in which I didn't want to deal with Formula One or prepare for the next Grand Prix." The season and his 21 year F1 career concluded with the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, in which Schumacher finished seventh. He placed 13th in the 2012 Drivers' Championship.

Helmet

Schumacher's helmet for the 1994 season

Schumacher, in conjunction with Schuberth, helped develop the first lightweight carbon helmet. In 2004, a prototype was publicly tested by being driven over by a tank; it survived intact. The helmet keeps the driver cool by funneling directed airflow through fifty holes.

Schumacher's helmet design for the 2011 season

Schumacher's original helmet sported the colours of the German flag and his sponsor's decals. On the top was a blue circle with white astroids. When Jos Verstappen was his team-mate, Schumacher added four red diagonal strokes over the visor to differentiate his helmet from his team-mate. After Schumacher joined Ferrari a prancing horse was added on the back. From the 2000 Monaco Grand Prix, in order to differentiate his colours from his new teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher changed the upper blue colour and some of the white areas to red. Since 2004, the helmet sported a white diagonal line with a white vertical line in the zone of the German Flag colors (originally to accommodate sponsor AMD), but then these lines remained in the Suzuka 2006 design. He sported one-off helmet designs four times. For the 1998 Japanese Grand Prix, a title decider with Mika Häkkinen, he replaced the German flag with a chequered flag motif and reflective silver replacing the white areas. At the 2004 Italian Grand Prix, the German flag design was replaced with an Italian flag in honour of his team's home race. For the Brazilian Grand Prix race of 2006 (at the time intended to be his final Grand Prix), he wore an all-red helmet that included the names of his ninety-one Grand Prix victories. For the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix, Schumacher's 20th anniversary in Formula One, he wore a commemorative gold-leafed helmet. The helmet, very similar to his current helmet, included the year of his début to the present, and the years of his seven World titles. For the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, Schumacher's 300th Grand Prix appearance, he wore a special platinum-leafed helmet with a message of his achievement.

Honours

Turns 9–10 of the Nürburgring were renamed after Schumacher in 2007

Schumacher was honoured many times during his career. In April 2002, for his contributions to sport and his contributions in raising awareness of child education, he was named as one of the UNESCO Champions for sport, joining the other eight, which include Pelé, Sergey Bubka and Justine Henin. He won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award twice, in 2002 and 2004 for his performances in the 2001 and 2003 seasons respectively. He also received nominations for the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 awards. He shares the record for having the second-most nominations for the award with Roger Federer with six nominations, and is eclipsed only by Tiger Woods who has been nominated seven times. He holds the distinction of having the most nominations for a motorsport athlete, (Fernando Alonso has been nominated only twice, Sebastian Vettel three times, and Valentino Rossi five times) and being the only motorsport athlete to have won the award more than once.

In honour of Schumacher's racing career and his efforts to improve safety and the sport, he was awarded an FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport in 2006. In 2007, in recognition of his contribution to Formula One racing, the Nürburgring racing track renamed turns 8 and 9 (the Audi and Shell Kurves) as the Schumacher S, and a month later he presented A1 Team Germany with the A1 World Cup at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport 2007 awards ceremony. He was nominated for the Prince of Asturias Award for Sport for 2007, which he won both for sporting prowess and for his humanitarian record.

In 2008, the Swiss Football Association appointed long-time Swiss resident Schumacher as the country's ambassador for the 2008 European football championship.

On 30 April 2010, Schumacher was honored with the Officier of Légion d'honneur title from French prime minister François Fillon.

On 13 November 2014, Schumacher was awarded the Millenium Trophy at the Bambi Awards.

Racing controversies

Championship-deciding collisions

Going into the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, the final race of the 1994 season, Schumacher led Damon Hill by a single point in the Drivers' Championship. Schumacher led the race from the beginning, but on lap 35 he went off track and hit the wall with his right side wheels, returning to the track at reduced speed, and with car damage, but still leading the race. At the next corner Hill attempted to pass on the inside, but Schumacher turned in sharply and they collided. Both cars were eliminated from the race and, as neither driver scored, Schumacher took the title. The race stewards judged it a racing accident and took no action against either driver, but public opinion is divided over the incident, and Schumacher was vilified in the British media.

At the 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez, the last race of the season, Schumacher led Williams's Jacques Villeneuve by one point in the Drivers' Championship. As Villeneuve attempted to pass Schumacher at the Dry Sack corner on lap 48, Schumacher turned in and the right-front wheel of Schumacher's Ferrari hit the left sidepod of Villeneuve's car. Schumacher retired from the race as a result, but Villeneuve finished in third place, taking four points and so becoming the World Champion. The race stewards did not award any penalty, but two weeks after the race Schumacher was disqualified from the entire 1997 Drivers' Championship after an FIA disciplinary hearing found that his "manoeuvre was an instinctive reaction and although deliberate not made with malice or premeditation. It was a serious error." Schumacher accepted the decision and admitted having made a mistake. Schumacher's actions were widely condemned in British, German, and Italian newspapers. This made Schumacher the only driver in the history of the sport, as of 2014, to be disqualified from a Driver's World Championship.

Team orders

Rubens Barrichello makes way for Schumacher at the end of the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix.

Historically, team orders have always been an accepted part of Formula One. However, in the final metres of the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, Schumacher's teammate, Rubens Barrichello, slowed his car under orders from Ferrari to allow Schumacher to pass and win the race. Although the switching of positions did not break any actual sporting or technical regulation, it angered fans and it was claimed that the team's actions showed a lack of sportsmanship and respect to the spectators. Many argued that Schumacher did not need to be "given" wins in only the 6th race of the season, particularly given that he had already won four of the previous five grands prix, and that Barrichello had dominated the race weekend up to that point. At the podium ceremony, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step, and for this disturbance, the Ferrari team incurred a US$1 million fine. Later in the season at the end of the 2002 United States Grand Prix, Schumacher slowed down within sight of the finishing line, allowing Barrichello to win by 0.011 seconds, the 2nd closest margin in F1 history. Schumacher's explanation varied between it being him "returning the favour" for Austria (now that Schumacher's title was secure), or trying to engineer a dead-heat (a feat derided as near-impossible in a sport where timings are taken to within a thousandth of a second). The FIA subsequently banned "team orders which interfere with the race result", but the ban was lifted for the 2011 season because the ruling was difficult to enforce.

Dangerous driving

During his spell in Sauber, in the 1991 Sportscar World Championship, Schumacher was involved in a serious incident with Derek Warwick in that year's 430 km of Nürburgring. While trying to set his flying lap in qualifying, Schumacher encountered Warwick's Jaguar on a slow lap resulting in lost time for Schumacher. As retaliation for being in his way, Schumacher swerved the Sauber into Warwick's car, hitting the Jaguar's nose and front wheel. Enraged by the German's attitude, Warwick drove to the pits and chased a fleeing Schumacher on foot through the Sauber pits. He eventually caught up with Schumacher, and it took intervention from Jochen Mass to prevent Warwick physically assaulting Schumacher.

Toward the end of the 2010 Hungarian Grand Prix, Rubens Barrichello attempted to pass Schumacher down the inside on the main straight. Schumacher closed the inside line to force Barrichello onto the outside, but Barrichello persisted on the inside at 180 mph (290 km/h), despite the close proximity of a concrete wall and Schumacher leaving him only inches to spare. Barrichello said "It is the most dangerous thing that I have been through", and "There is not a rule for that, but between ourselves we should take a line, stick to it and that's it." Schumacher said that "Obviously there was space enough to go through. We didn't touch, so I guess I just left enough space for him to come through." Ross Brawn said "at the end of the day he gave him enough space. You can argue that it was marginal, but it was just tough – tough racing." A range of ex-drivers and commentators were highly critical of Schumacher. Although there was no accident, the race steward, the same Derek Warwick of the 1991 Nürburgring incident, wanted to black flag Schumacher since that "would have shown a better example to our young drivers". The Hungaroring incident was ruled to be dangerous and Schumacher received a 10 place grid penalty for the next race. Schumacher accepted the decision, and apologised.

Other incidents

In 1994, suspicion of foul play by the Benetton team (who were eventually found to have been responsible for some technical violations over the course of the season) was said to have troubled Ayrton Senna that season. For example, in the words of his then team mate, Damon Hill, Senna had chosen to spend a bit of time at the first corner of the Aida circuit following his retirement from the Pacific Grand Prix. After listening to Schumacher's Benetton B194 as it went past, Senna "concluded that there was, what he regarded, as unusual noises from the engine". The FIA subsequently issued a press release setting out action that it required teams to take prior to the German Grand Prix, given that various cars were found to have an advanced engine management systems emulating launch and traction control.

In 1995, Schumacher and Williams driver David Coulthard were disqualified for fuel irregularities, after a switch to Renault engines and Elf oils. On appeal, both drivers had their results and points reinstated, but both teams lost the points the results would normally have earned in the Constructors' Championship.

The 1998 Canadian Grand Prix saw Schumacher accused of dangerous driving when his exit from the pit-lane forced Heinz-Harald Frentzen off the track and into retirement. Despite receiving a 10-second penalty, Schumacher recovered and won the race.

Two laps from the finish of the 1998 British Grand Prix, Schumacher was leading the race when he was issued a stop-and-go penalty for overtaking a lapped car (Alexander Wurz) during the early moments of a Safety Car period. This penalty involves going into the pit lane and stopping for 10 seconds, and the rules state that a driver must serve his penalty within three laps of the penalty being issued. On the third lap after receiving the penalty, Schumacher turned into the pit lane to serve his penalty, but as this was the last lap of the race, and as Ferrari's pit box was located after the start/finish line, Schumacher technically finished the race before serving the penalty. The stewards initially resolved that problem by adding 10 seconds to Schumacher's race time, then later rescinded the penalty completely due to the irregularities in how the penalty had been issued.

In the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, Schumacher was involved in a race-ending collision whilst trying to lap David Coulthard in heavy spray. After the race he stormed into the McLaren garage and accused Coulthard of trying to kill him, and McLaren and Ferrari team members had to separate the drivers. Coulthard admitted some five years later that the accident had been his mistake.

During qualifying for the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix Schumacher set the fastest time, but stopped his car in the Rascasse corner on the racing line, leaving the corner partially blocked, while his main contender for the season title, Fernando Alonso, was on his final qualifying lap. Schumacher stated that he simply locked up the wheels going into the corner and that the car then stalled while he attempted to reverse out. Alonso believed he would have been on pole if the incident had not happened, and Schumacher was stripped of pole position by the race stewards and started the race at the back of the grid. In the same qualifying session, Giancarlo Fisichella was similarly found to have blocked David Coulthard from improving his time, but Fisichella was only demoted five places on the grid. At the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix, the safety car was deployed after an accident, involving Karun Chandhok and Jarno Trulli, and pulled into the pits on the last lap. Schumacher passed Alonso before the finish line. Mercedes held that "the combination of the race control messages 'Safety Car in this lap' and 'Track Clear' and the green flags and lights shown by the marshals after safety car line one indicated that the race was not finishing under the safety car and all drivers were free to race. This opinion appears to have been shared by the majority of the teams with cars in the top ten positions who also gave their drivers instructions to race to the finish line." However an FIA investigation found Schumacher guilty of breaching Safety Car regulations and awarded him a 20-seconds penalty, which cost him six places.

Personal life

Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher in 2007
Born (1969-01-03) 3 January 1969 (age 55)
Hürth, West Germany
NationalityGerman
Occupation(s)Racing driver, philanthropist
Spouse Corinna Betsch ​(m. 1995)
ChildrenGina-Marie Schumacher (daughter)
Mick Schumacher (son)
RelativesRalf Schumacher (brother)
Websitemichael-schumacher.de
Signature

Schumacher's younger brother Ralf was a Formula One driver until the end of 2007. Their stepbrother Sebastian Stahl has also been a racing driver.

In August 1995, Michael married Corinna Betsch. They have two children, a daughter Gina-Marie, born in 1997 and a son Mick, born March 22, 1999. He has always been very protective of his private life and is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, preferring a simple life. The family moved to a house near Gland, Switzerland in 2007, a 650-square-metre (7,000 sq ft) mansion with its own underground garage and petrol station, situated on a private beach on Lake Geneva. The family has two dogs – one stray that Corinna fell in love with in Brazil, and an Australian Shepherd named "Ed" whose entrance to the family made headlines. Schumacher personally drove a taxi through the Bavarian town of Coburg after collecting the dog, enabling the family to catch their return flight to Switzerland. Both Schumacher and the taxi driver were reprimanded by local police.

One of his main hobbies is horse riding, and he plays football for his local team FC Echichens. He has appeared in several charity football games and organised games between Formula One drivers. He is a fan of Köln and Newcastle United.

On 23 June 2003, Schumacher was appointed as an Ambassador-at-Large for the Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Schumacher is a special ambassador to UNESCO and has donated 1.5 million euros to the organization. Additionally, he paid for the construction of a school for poor children and for area improvements in Dakar, Senegal. He supports a hospital for child victims of war in Sarajevo, which specialises in caring for amputees. In Lima, Peru he funded the "Palace for the Poor", a centre for helping homeless street children obtain an education, clothing, food, medical attention, and shelter. He stated his interest in these various efforts was piqued both by his love for children and the fact that these causes had received little attention. While an exact figure for the amount of money he has donated throughout his life is unknown, it is known that in his last four years as a driver, he donated at least $50 million. In 2008, it was revealed that he had donated between $5M and $10M to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park of Bill Clinton.

Since his participation in an FIA European road safety campaign, as part of his punishment after the collision at the 1997 European Grand Prix, Schumacher continued to support other campaigns, such as Make Roads Safe, which is led by the FIA Foundation and calls on G8 countries and the UN to recognise global road deaths as a major global health issue. In 2008, Schumacher was the figurehead of an advertising campaign by Bacardi to raise awareness about responsible drinking, with a focus on communicating an international message 'drinking and driving don't mix'. He featured in an advertising campaign for television, cinema and online media, supported by consumer engagements, public relations and digital media across the World.

On the eve of the 2002 British Grand Prix, on behalf of Fiat, Schumacher presented a Ferrari 360 Modena to the Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar at Silverstone.

On 21 June 2009, Schumacher appeared on the BBC's motoring programme Top Gear as the Stig. Presenter Jeremy Clarkson hinted later in the programme that Schumacher was not the regular Stig, and the BBC has since confirmed that this is the case. Schumacher was there on that occasion because Ferrari would not allow anyone else to drive the one-of-a-kind black Ferrari FXX that was featured in the show. The FXX was presented to Schumacher upon his retirement at Monza in 2006.

During his interview with Clarkson, Schumacher stated that his road cars are a Fiat 500 Abarth, and a Fiat Croma, which is his family car.

Finance and sponsorship

In 2004, Forbes magazine listed him as the 2nd highest paid athlete in the World. In 2005, Eurobusiness magazine identified Schumacher as the World's first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around US$80 million. Forbes magazine ranked him 17th in its "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities" list. A significant share of his income came from advertising. For example, Deutsche Vermögensberatung paid him $8 million over three years from 1999 for wearing a 10 by 8 centimetre advertisement on his post-race cap. The deal was extended until 2010. He donated $10 million for aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. His donation surpassed that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries. Schumacher's bodyguard Burkhard Cramer and Cramer's two sons were killed in the tsunami.

In 2010, his personal fortune was estimated at £515 million. He reportedly received a salary of £21 million each year from the Mercedes team, plus a further £9 million in endorsements.

2013 skiing accident

On 29 December 2013, Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year-old son Mick descending the Combe de Saulire below the Dent de Burgin above Méribel in the French Alps. While crossing an unsecured off-piste area between Piste Chamois and Piste Mauduit he fell and hit his head on a rock, sustaining a head injury despite wearing a ski helmet. According to his physicians, Schumacher would most likely have died had he not been wearing a helmet. Schumacher was put into a medically induced coma because of having suffered a traumatic brain injury; his doctors reported on 7 March 2014, that his condition was stable. On 4 April 2014, Schumacher's agent reported that he was showing "moments of consciousness" as he was gradually withdrawn from the medically induced coma, adding to reports by relatives of "small encouraging signs" over the preceding month. In mid-June he was moved from intensive care into a rehabilitation ward. By 16 June 2014, Schumacher had regained consciousness and left Grenoble Hospital for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland. On 9 September 2014, Schumacher left CHUV and was brought back to his home for further rehabilitation. In November 2014, it was reported that Schumacher was "paralysed and in a wheelchair"; he "cannot speak and has memory problems". In a video interview released in May 2015, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said that his condition is slowly improving "considering the severeness of the injury he had".

Racing record

Career summary

Season Series Team Races Wins Poles F/Laps Podiums Points Position
1988 European Formula Ford 1600 Eufra Racing 4 1 1 0 3 50 2nd
German Formula Ford 1600 7 3 0 0 5 124 6th
Formula König Hoecker Sportwagenservice 10 9 1 1 10 192 1st
1989 German Formula Three WTS Racing 12 2 2 0 7 163 3rd
European Formula Three Cup 1 0 0 0 0 N/A NC
Macau Grand Prix 1 0 0 0 0 N/A NC
1990 World Sportscar Championship Team Sauber Mercedes 3 1 0 1 3 21 5th
German Formula Three WTS Racing 11 5 6 4 7 148 1st
European Formula Three Cup 1 0 1 1 0 N/A NC
Macau Grand Prix 1 1 0 0 0 N/A 1st
Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft HWA AG 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1991 Formula One Team 7UP Jordan 1 0 0 0 0 0 14th
Camel Benetton Ford 5 0 0 0 0 4
World Sportscar Championship Team Sauber Mercedes 8 1 0 2 2 43 9th
Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft Zakspeed Mercedes 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Japanese Formula 3000 Team Le Mans 1 0 0 0 1 6 12th
1992 Formula One Camel Benetton Ford 16 1 0 2 8 53 3rd
1993 Formula One Camel Benetton Ford 16 1 0 5 9 52 4th
1994 Formula One Mild Seven Benetton Ford 14 8 6 8 10 92 1st
1995 Formula One Mild Seven Benetton Renault 17 9 4 8 11 102 1st
1996 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari S.p.A. 16 3 4 2 8 59 3rd
1997 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 17 5 3 3 8 78 DSQ
1998 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 16 6 3 6 11 86 2nd
1999 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 10 2 3 5 6 44 5th
2000 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 17 9 9 2 12 108 1st
2001 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 17 9 11 3 14 123 1st
2002 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 17 11 7 7 17 144 1st
2003 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 16 6 5 5 8 93 1st
2004 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 18 13 8 10 15 148 1st
2005 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 19 1 1 3 5 62 3rd
2006 Formula One Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 18 7 4 7 12 121 2nd
2010 Formula One Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team 19 0 0 0 0 72 9th
2011 Formula One Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team 19 0 0 0 0 76 8th
2012 Formula One Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team 20 0 0 1 1 49 13th
Totals 371 114 79 86 193 2313
  • Source: Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The Whole Story. Haynes. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.

Complete Japanese Formula 3000 Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 DC Points
1991 Team LeMans SUZ AUT FUJ MIN SUZ SUG
2
FUJ SUZ FUJ SUZ FUJ 12th 6

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WDC Points
1991 Team 7UP Jordan Jordan 191 Ford HBB 4 3.5 V8 USA BRA SMR MON CAN MEX FRA GBR GER HUN BEL
Ret
14th 4
Camel Benetton Ford Benetton B191 Ford HBA 5 3.5 V8 ITA
5
POR
6
ESP
6
JPN
Ret
AUS
Ret
1992 Camel Benetton Ford Benetton B191B Ford HB 3.5 V8 RSA
4
MEX
3
BRA
3
3rd 53
Benetton B192 ESP
2
SMR
Ret
MON
4
CAN
2
FRA
Ret
GBR
4
GER
3
HUN
Ret
BEL
1
ITA
3
POR
7
JPN
Ret
AUS
2
1993 Camel Benetton Ford Benetton B193 Ford HB 3.5 V8 RSA
Ret
BRA
3
4th 52
Benetton B193B EUR
Ret
SMR
2
ESP
3
MON
Ret
CAN
2
FRA
3
GBR
2
GER
2
HUN
Ret
BEL
2
ITA
Ret
POR
1
JPN
Ret
AUS
Ret
1994 Mild Seven Benetton Ford Benetton B194 Ford Zetec-R 3.5 V8 BRA
1
PAC
1
SMR
1
MON
1
ESP
2
CAN
1
FRA
1
GBR
DSQ
GER
Ret
HUN
1
BEL
DSQ
ITA
EX
POR
EX
EUR
1
JPN
2
AUS
Ret
1st 92
1995 Mild Seven Benetton Renault Benetton B195 Renault RS7 3.0 V10 BRA
1
ARG
3
SMR
Ret
ESP
1
MON
1
CAN
5
FRA
1
GBR
Ret
GER
1
HUN
11
BEL
1
ITA
Ret
POR
2
EUR
1
PAC
1
JPN
1
AUS
Ret
1st 102
1996 Scuderia Ferrari S.p.A. Ferrari F310 Ferrari 046 3.0 V10 AUS
Ret
BRA
3
ARG
Ret
EUR
2
SMR
2
MON
Ret
ESP
1
CAN
Ret
FRA
DNS
GBR
Ret
GER
4
HUN
9
BEL
1
ITA
1
POR
3
JPN
2
3rd 59
1997 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F310B Ferrari 046/2 3.0 V10 AUS
2
BRA
5
ARG
Ret
SMR
2
MON
1
ESP
4
CAN
1
FRA
1
GBR
Ret
GER
2
HUN
4
BEL
1
ITA
6
AUT
6
LUX
Ret
JPN
1
EUR
Ret
DSQ‡ 78
1998 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F300 Ferrari 047 3.0 V10 AUS
Ret
BRA
3
ARG
1
SMR
2
ESP
3
MON
10
CAN
1
FRA
1
GBR
1
AUT
3
GER
5
HUN
1
BEL
Ret
ITA
1
LUX
2
JPN
Ret
2nd 86
1999 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F399 Ferrari 048 3.0 V10 AUS
8
BRA
2
SMR
1
MON
1
ESP
3
CAN
Ret
FRA
5
GBR
DNS
AUT GER HUN BEL ITA EUR MAL
2
JPN
2
5th 44
2000 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F1-2000 Ferrari 049 3.0 V10 AUS
1
BRA
1
SMR
1
GBR
3
ESP
5
EUR
1
MON
Ret
CAN
1
FRA
Ret
AUT
Ret
GER
Ret
HUN
2
BEL
2
ITA
1
USA
1
JPN
1
MAL
1
1st 108
2001 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F2001 Ferrari 050 3.0 V10 AUS
1
MAL
1
BRA
2
SMR
Ret
ESP
1
AUT
2
MON
1
CAN
2
EUR
1
FRA
1
GBR
2
GER
Ret
HUN
1
BEL
1
ITA
4
USA
2
JPN
1
1st 123
2002 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F2001 Ferrari 050 3.0 V10 AUS
1
MAL
3
1st 144
Ferrari F2002 Ferrari 051 3.0 V10 BRA
1
SMR
1
ESP
1
AUT
1
MON
2
CAN
1
EUR
2
GBR
1
FRA
1
GER
1
HUN
2
BEL
1
ITA
2
USA
2
JPN
1
2003 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F2002 Ferrari 051 3.0 V10 AUS
4
MAL
6
BRA
Ret
SMR
1
1st 93
Ferrari F2003-GA Ferrari 052 3.0 V10 ESP
1
AUT
1
MON
3
CAN
1
EUR
5
FRA
3
GBR
4
GER
7
HUN
8
ITA
1
USA
1
JPN
8
2004 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F2004 Ferrari 053 3.0 V10 AUS
1
MAL
1
BHR
1
SMR
1
ESP
1
MON
Ret
EUR
1
CAN
1
USA
1
FRA
1
GBR
1
GER
1
HUN
1
BEL
2
ITA
2
CHN
12
JPN
1
BRA
7
1st 148
2005 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari F2004M Ferrari 053 3.0 V10 AUS
Ret
MAL
7
3rd 62
Ferrari F2005 Ferrari 055 3.0 V10 BHR
Ret
SMR
2
ESP
Ret
MON
7
EUR
5
CAN
2
USA
1
FRA
3
GBR
6
GER
5
HUN
2
TUR
Ret
ITA
10
BEL
Ret
BRA
4
JPN
7
CHN
Ret
2006 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Ferrari 248 F1 Ferrari 056 2.4 V8 BHR
2
MAL
6
AUS
Ret
SMR
1
EUR
1
ESP
2
MON
5
GBR
2
CAN
2
USA
1
FRA
1
GER
1
HUN
8
TUR
3
ITA
1
CHN
1
JPN
Ret
BRA
4
2nd 121
2010 Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team Mercedes MGP W01 Mercedes FO 108X 2.4 V8 BHR
6
AUS
10
MAL
Ret
CHN
10
ESP
4
MON
12
TUR
4
CAN
11
EUR
15
GBR
9
GER
9
HUN
11
BEL
7
ITA
9
SIN
13
JPN
6
KOR
4
BRA
7
ABU
Ret
9th 72
2011 Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team Mercedes MGP W02 Mercedes FO 108Y 2.4 V8 AUS
Ret
MAL
9
CHN
8
TUR
12
ESP
6
MON
Ret
CAN
4
EUR
17
GBR
9
GER
8
HUN
Ret
BEL
5
ITA
5
SIN
Ret
JPN
6
KOR
Ret
IND
5
ABU
7
BRA
15
8th 76
2012 Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 W03 Mercedes FO 108Z 2.4 V8 AUS
Ret
MAL
10
CHN
Ret
BHR
10
ESP
Ret
MON
Ret
CAN
Ret
EUR
3
GBR
7
GER
7
HUN
Ret
BEL
7
ITA
6
SIN
Ret
JPN
11
KOR
13
IND
22†
ABU
11
USA
16
BRA
7
13th 49

Schumacher was disqualified from the 1997 World Drivers' Championship due to dangerous driving in the European Grand Prix, where he caused an avoidable accident with Jacques Villeneuve. His points tally would have placed him in second place in that year's standings.
Driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

24 Hours of Le Mans results

Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1991 Germany Team Sauber Mercedes Austria Karl Wendlinger
Germany Fritz Kreutzpointner
Mercedes-Benz C11 C2 355 5th 5th

Formula One records

Schumacher holds the following records in Formula One.

Type Record
Championship titles 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Consecutive titles 5 (20002004)
Championship won with most races left 6 (2002)
Largest championship-winning margin
(pre-2010 points system)
67 points (2002)
Race wins 91
Wins in a season 13 (72%) (2004)
Wins in a season for a runner-up 7 (2006)
Wins with one team 72 (Ferrari)
Wins at the same Grand Prix 8 (France)
Poles at the same Grand Prix 8 (Japan)
Different Grands Prix won 22
Longest time between first and last wins 14 years, 32 days
Total years with a win 15 (19922006)
Consecutive years with a win 15 (19922006)
Second places 43
Consecutive top two finishes 15 (Brazil 2002Japan 2002)
Podiums (Top three finishes) 155
Podium finishes in a season 17 (100%) (2002)
Consecutive podium finishes 19 (US 2001Japan 2002)
Points finishes 221
Races / Laps / Distance led 142 races / 5,111 laps / 24,144 km
Pole positions 68
Front row starts 116
Fastest laps 77
Fastest laps in a season 10 (2004)
Doubles (pole and win) 40
Hat-tricks (pole, win and fastest lap) 22
Hat-tricks in a season 5 in 2004
Races with one team 181 (Ferrari)
  1. Record shared with Sebastian Vettel (2013).
  2. Record shared with Alain Prost (1984 and 1988) and Kimi Räikkönen (2005).
  3. Record shared with Ayrton Senna, who took eight poles in San Marino.
  4. Record shared with Kimi Räikkönen (2005 and 2008).
  5. Record shared with Alberto Ascari in 1952.

Books and films

Schumacher had a voice role in the Disney/Pixar film Cars. His character is himself as a car (Ferrari F430). The French film Asterix and Obelix at the Olympic Games features Schumacher in a cameo role, also as himself.

References and notes

  1. Benson, Andrew (12 October 2003). "Who is the greatest ever?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  2. "The final five could all have been No. 1, but only Foyt gets the prize". ESPN. 23 May 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  3. "Formula 1's Greatest Drivers: 2. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
  4. Rice, Simon (12 March 2010). "The ten best Formula One drivers". The Independent. UK: Independent Print Limited. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  5. "Winners Archive Michael Schumacher". Laureus World Sports Awards. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  6. "Michael Schumacher – the end of an era". The Official Formula 1 Website. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  7. ^ "It's official: Schumi to retire". ITV. 11 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  8. "Michael Schumacher to retire from Formula 1 at end of season". BBC Sport. 4 October 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  9. Benson, Andrew (28 May 2006). "Schumacher's chequered history". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 November 2006.
  10. ^ Duff, Alex (10 September 2006). "Schumacher, Seven-Time Champion, to Quit Formula One (Update1)". Bloomberg. Retrieved 18 January 2007.
  11. "Neuro-rééducation: Au CHUV, Michael Schumacher recevra des soins de pointe – News Vaud & Régions: Lausanne & Région – 24heures.ch". 24heures.ch/. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  12. ^ "BBC News – Michael Schumacher leaves hospital for recovery at home". BBC News. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  13. ^ "Hall of Fame – World Champions: Michael Schumacher". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 5 October 2006.
  14. Collings, Timothy (2005). Team Schumacher. Highdown. pp. 35–37. ISBN 1-905156-03-0.
  15. ^ "The Beginning". mschumacher.com. 2006. Retrieved 23 April 2007.
  16. ^ Domenjoz, Luc (2002). Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius. Parragon. pp. 10–12, 170–171. ISBN 0-7525-9228-9.
  17. ^ "Michael Schumacher – Master of the F1 Circuit". Auto Racing. Retrieved 12 July 2007.
  18. Hilton, Christopher (2003). Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all. Haynes. pp. 131–132. ISBN 1-84425-044-X. Hilton has defined a race in wet conditions as "all races where it rained – even if that was a shower".
  19. Hardcastle, Jonathon. "Michael Schumacher". Retrieved 12 July 2007.
  20. "Schumacher races to victory". BBC Sport. 18 March 2001. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  21. "Alonso ahead of Schumi". News24. 21 October 2006. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2006.
  22. Tremayne, David (22 October 2006). "Schuey exit promises many twists and turns". The Independent. UK. Retrieved 22 October 2006.
  23. "Schu brought down to earth". ITV. 11 October 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
  24. ^ Sapa (11 September 2006). "The greatest driver of all time!". SuperWheels. Archived from the original on 27 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  25. Noble, Jonathan (25 September 2006). "Vettel sorry to see 'idol' Schumacher go". Autosport. Retrieved 31 October 2006.
  26. "Schumacher retains GPDA position". BBC. 9 June 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  27. "Schumacher tops F1 supporter poll". BBC Sport. 27 September 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  28. Collings, Timothy (2004). The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. p. 17. ISBN 0-7535-0965-2.
  29. Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The whole story. Haynes. pp. 62–66. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.
  30. Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The whole story. Haynes. pp. 67–68. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.
  31. "1991 Belgian Grand Prix". Results Archive. The Official Formula 1 Website. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  32. Collings, Timothy (2007). "Welcome to the Piranha Club". The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. ISBN 1-85227-907-9.
  33. Domenjoz, Luc (2006) . Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius. Parragon. p. 38. ISBN 0-7525-9228-9.
  34. Henry, Alan, ed. (1992). Autocourse 1992 – 93. Hazleton Publishing. p. 50. ISBN 0-905138-96-1.
  35. Kehm, Sabine (2003). Michael Schumacher. Driving Force. Random House. p. 14. ISBN 0-09-189435-2.
  36. "Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1993". Grand Prix Encyclopedia. GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 6 November 2006.. Benetton first raced traction control at the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix, having introduced active suspension at the 1993 European Grand Prix (Domenjoz (2002) p. 40). Williams had first raced an active system in 1987 and used it throughout 1992,(Autocourse (1992) p.50) while McLaren and Ferrari both introduced active cars in the final races of the 1992 season.(Autocourse (1992) pp.42 & 80)
  37. Domenjoz, Luc (2006) . Michael Schumacher: The Rise of a Genius. Parragon. pp. 44–47. ISBN 0-7525-9228-9.
  38. Saward, Joe (11 August 1994). "Globetrotter: Rocking the boat". GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
  39. "A return to racing – Spanish Grand Prix 1994". The Official Formula One Website. 30 April 2003. Retrieved 26 May 2008.
  40. Williams, Richard (1999). The Death of Ayrton Senna. Bloomsbury. pp. 177–179. ISBN 0-7475-4495-6.
  41. Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The whole story. Haynes. pp. 118–120. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.
  42. "Grand Prix Results: Belgian GP, 1994". Grand Prix Encyclopedia. GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 13 May 2006.
  43. Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The whole story. Haynes. p. 142. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.
  44. Benson, Andrew (28 May 2006). "Schumacher's chequered history". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
  45. "Today in History - DW.COM". Todayinhistory.de. 13 November 1994. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  46. "The official formula 1 website". Retrieved 31 July 2008.
  47. "The official formula 1 website". Retrieved 31 July 2008.
  48. Cooper, Steve (August 2007). "McLaren dream team turns into nightmare". Autosport. 189 (6): 6–8.
  49. Bewers, Matthew. "Ross Brawn Profile". theScuderia.net. Retrieved 3 January 2008.
  50. Baker, Andrew (20 October 2006). "Switch the key to Ferrari revival". London: Telegraph Sport. Retrieved 29 October 2006.
  51. Henry, Alan (ed) (1996). AUTOCOURSE 1996–97. Hazleton Publishing. pp. 46–48. ISBN 1-874557-91-8. {{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  52. "Schumacher confirms retirement". MSN Cars. 11 September 2006. Retrieved 28 September 2006.
  53. "Ferrari: Formula 1's Most Successful Team Enters a New Era". about.com. Retrieved 12 June 2007.
  54. Benson, Andrew (18 October 2006). "Schumacher 'made Ferrari great'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 November 2006.
  55. "The Best of the Best". Autosport. 1999. Retrieved 5 October 2006.
  56. Cours, Magny. "GRAND PRIX RESULTS: FRENCH GP, 1996". grandprix.com. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
  57. "Friday Press Conference". GrandPrix.com. 10 October 2003. Retrieved 8 November 2006.
  58. "MICHAEL SCHUMACHER: SEVEN TIME WORLD CHAMPION". eMercedesBenz. 25 November 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  59. "Schumacher loses championship runner-up crown". BBC News. 11 November 1997. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  60. ^ "FIA World Motor Sport Council – 11 November 1997" (PDF). FIA. 11 November 1997. Retrieved 29 October 2006.
  61. ^ "Crash was my fault, Coulthard admits". Sydney Morning Herald. Reuters. 7 June 2003. Retrieved 28 September 2006.
  62. "Schumacher out of action". GrandPrix.com. 12 July 1999. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  63. "Drivers: Michael Schumacher". grandprix.com. Retrieved 30 November 2006.
  64. "Hall of Fame – World Champions: Mika Hakkinen". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 5 October 2006.
  65. Benson, Andrew (21 April 2004). "A death that shocked the world". BBC. Retrieved 21 April 2007.
  66. "Grand Prix du Canada – Statistiques". Telus. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
  67. "Send your tributes to Schumacher". BBC. 2 September 2001. Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  68. ^ "Schumacher steals Austrian win". BBC Sport. 12 May 2002. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  69. Molinaro, John C. (12 September 2006). "Top 10 Michael Schumacher moments". CBC Sports. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  70. "Coulthard takes Melbourne thriller". BBC Sport. 9 March 2003. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  71. "Raikkonen claims maiden win". BBC Sport. 23 March 2003. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  72. "Raikkonen wins chaotic race". BBC Sport. 6 April 2003. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  73. "FIA stands by tyre rulings". BBC Sport. 9 September 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2007.
  74. "A tribute to Michael Schumacher". f1technical.net. 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
  75. "FIA announce rule changes for 2005 and 2006". The Official Formula 1 Website. 22 October 2004. Retrieved 13 April 2007.
  76. "Michael Schumacher". f1complete.com. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  77. "Alonso holds off Schumacher surge". BBC Sport. 24 April 2005. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  78. Henry, Alan (27 July 2005). "Alonso within touching distance of title". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
  79. "Schumacher takes hollow USGP victory". Crash.net. 19 June 2005. Retrieved 19 June 2007.
  80. "Alonso's Renault Engine blew in spectacular fashion". Motorsport.com. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  81. Zanca, Salvatore (1 October 2006). "Alonso has trouble with his front tires". The Washington Post. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  82. "Schumacher concedes title to Alonso". BBC Sport. 8 October 2006.
  83. "Pele to present a trophy to Schumacher". International Herald Tribune. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  84. "Schumacher honored by a presentation from Pele". International Herald Tribune. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  85. "Schumacher suffers in qualifying". BBC Sport. 21 October 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  86. "Fisi did cause Schu puncture". itv.com/f1. 23 October 2006. Retrieved 23 October 2006.
  87. "Superb Schumi signs off in style". BBC Sport. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  88. "Brazil: Alonso takes championship, but Michael steals the show". ManipeF1. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  89. "2006 Brazil Grand Prix Report". PitPass. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  90. "Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship" (PDF) (Press release). Ferrari S.p.A. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  91. "New role for Schumacher at Ferrari?". PitPass. 29 October 2006. Retrieved 29 October 2006.
  92. "Tributes to Schumi". BBC Sport. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  93. Evans, Simon (11 September 2006). "Italy shows gratitude to Schumacher". Autosport. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  94. Goren, Biranit; Lostia, Michele (25 October 2007). "Schumacher in the F2007 for the first time". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
  95. "Schumacher to help Ferrari select drivers". Autosport. 29 October 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  96. "Schumi in charge of developing cars". Gazzetta dello Sport via f1technical.net. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  97. Schumacher slips up in Superbike race www.itv-f1.com. Retrieved 5 July 2008.
  98. Motorcycle Sport and leisure magazine, November 2008 (interview with Randy Mamola)
  99. "Manager rules out Schumi F1 return". F1 ITV. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  100. "Michael happy to help". Michael Schumacher – Official Website. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  101. "Lealdade custa caro: Schumi ganhará cerca de R$ 8,5 milhões por corrida" (in Portuguese). Globo. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  102. "Williams against Schumacher Ferrari test". GPUpdate.net. 3 August 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  103. "Red Bull echoes Williams's Ferrari sentiments". GPUpdate.net. 4 August 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  104. "Schumacher cancels F1 return". carthuasiast.com. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  105. ^ "Michael Schumacher signs up for F1 return with Mercedes". BBC Sport. 23 December 2009. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  106. Musolino, Adrian (24 December 2009). "Schumacher returns for a legacy or misery". The Roar. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  107. "Schumacher is 'past it' – Moss". ESPN F1. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  108. "Damon Hill: Never, Ever, Ever, Ever Write Off Schumacher". The Black Stuff. The Media Halls. 8 July 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  109. "Will chassis upgrade solve Schumacher woes?". Inside F1, inc. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  110. "Schumacher's car designed for me – Button". WorldCarFans. Black Falcon Media Group. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  111. "FIA To Clarify Safety Car Regulations". GrandPrix.com. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  112. Young, Byron (27 June 2010). "Michael Schumacher blasts Valencia Grand Prix stewards". Daily Mirror. UK. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
  113. "Schumacher escapes unhurt from crash at Abu Dhabi". USA Today. David Hunke; Gannett Company. Associated Press. 14 November 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
  114. "Lucky escape for Michael Schumacher after crash with Vitantonio Liuzzi". The Daily Telegraph. UK. 14 November 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
  115. Strang, Simon (14 November 2010). "Schumacher says crash was frightening". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  116. Sheringham, Sam (9 October 2011). "Japanese Grand Prix as it happened". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 10 October 2011. Lap 40: This is the first time Schuey has led a race since the Japanese GP in 2006.
  117. "Schumacher could stay in F1 after 2012". ESPN F1. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  118. "Brawn upbeat despite Melbourne failure". Google Inc. Press Association. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  119. "Conclusions from the German GP". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  120. Noble, Jonathan (28 September 2012). "Schumacher's indecision prompted Mercedes to chase Hamilton". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  121. "Schumacher announces Formula One retirement". Formula One Administration. 4 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  122. "Schumacher Ready To Go 'Home' After Retirement". Speed. Speed Channel, Inc. GMM. 14 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  123. "Even a tank can't halt schu now". JEC Composites. Retrieved 8 November 2006.
  124. "Michael Schumacher Helmet Profile". theprancinghorse.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 December 2006. Retrieved 10 February 2007.
  125. "Michael Schumacher Biography". mschumacher.com. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  126. "Michael's winning helmet". PitPass. 21 October 2006. Retrieved 7 November 2006.
  127. Noble, Jonathan (29 August 2011). "Behind the scenes at Spa". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 30 August 2011. Helmet supplier Schuberth provided him with a special 21-carat gold plated helmet, which he wore as a special one-off for the weekend.
  128. "Michael Schumacher UNESCO Champion for sport". . April 2002. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  129. "Michael Schumacher". Laureus. Laureus World Sport Awards Limited. 2006. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
  130. "Winners". Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  131. "Schumacher honoured by the FIA". The Official Formula 1 Website. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 15 December 2006.
  132. "Schumacher honoured by having a corner named after him at Nurburgring". Formula One. 21 July 2007. Retrieved 21 July 2007.
  133. "Michael Schumacher honours team Germany's A1GP success". f1.automoto365.com. A1GP. 1 May 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2007.
  134. "Prince of Asturias Awards' Michael Schumacher page".
  135. "Asturias Jury report". . 5 September 2007. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  136. "Schumacher becomes Swiss football ambassador". GPUpdate.net. 16 April 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  137. "Légion d'honneur for Shumacher". The Voice of Russia. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  138. "Ariana Grande, U2 Among Winners at 2014 Bambi Awards". U2 Station. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  139. ^ Kopu, Ville; Nottmeier, Jan. "Schumacher 500: Has the King Lost His Crown?". Autosport. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  140. "Classic F1 – Australian Grand Prix 1994". BBC. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2009. Coverage of the collision occurs between 02:14 and 03:30.
  141. ^ Molinaro, John F. (12 September 2006). "Top 10 Michael Schumacher Moments". CBC Sports. Retrieved 3 November 2006.
  142. Henry, Alan (1998) . Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing. Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated. p. 117. ISBN 0-7538-0522-7.
  143. "Now we are 76...: Murray Walker". grandprix.com. 18 October 1999. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  144. "Schumacher loses championship runner-up crown". BBC News. 11 November 1997. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  145. ^ "The lost honor of Michael Schumacher". GrandPrix.com. 3 November 1997. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  146. "Calling time on a career". itv-f1.com. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
  147. "Record fine for Turks". Reuters. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  148. Legard, Jonathan (30 September 2002). "Ferrari's own goal". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
  149. Wade, Stephen (28 October 2002). "Formula One closes door on team orders". USA Today. Retrieved 28 October 2006.
  150. "F1 Commission declaration" (Press release). FIA. 28 October 2002. Retrieved 30 October 2006.
  151. "F1 chiefs drop the ban on team orders in new rules". BBC Sport. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  152. Watkins, Gary (February 2005). "Schumacher at Sauber". Autosport. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  153. Rae, Richard (1 August 2010). "Schumacher punished for dangerous move on Barrichello". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  154. "Michael Schumacher defended by Ross Brawn after Rubens Barrichello near-miss". The Daily Telegraph. UK. 2 August 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  155. "Schumacher apologises to Barrichello". ESPN F1. 2 August 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  156. "Rubens fumes at 'dangerous' Schumacher move". ESPN F1. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  157. "Mercedes GP leave Budapest empty handed". F1Technical.net. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  158. "Schumacher lucky not to be disqualified – Warwick". ESPN. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  159. The Last Teammate (1994 San Marino Grand Prix's 20th Anniversary documentary) @ 8'25". SkySportsF1. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  160. "Interview with Max Mosley". 8 May 1994. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  161. "Engine management software FIA press release". 8 May 1994. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  162. "Exclusion of Car No.1 (Schumacher/Benetton) and Car No. 6 (Coulthard/Williams) from the results of the Brazilian Grand Prix" (PDF). FIA. 29 March 1995. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  163. Henry, Alan (December 1995) . "1995 Grands Prix: Brazilian Grand Prix". Autocourse 1995–96. Hazleton Publishing. p. 90. ISBN 1-874557-36-5.
  164. "1998 Canadian Grand Prix". grandprix.com. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
  165. "British Grand Prix Review". Autosport. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  166. ^ "Schumacher is stripped of pole". The Official Formula 1 Website. 27 May 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  167. "Post-qualifying press conference – Monaco". The Official Formula 1 Website. 27 May 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  168. "Fisichella punished by stewards". Formula One official site. 27 May 2006. Archived from the original on 19 October 2006.
  169. "Mercedes rule out appeal against Schumacher penalty". BBC Sport. 18 May 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
  170. "Schumacher half-brother looking for racing action". Granprix.com. 20 November 2001. Retrieved 19 December 2008.
  171. "Michael and Corinna Schumacher". December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  172. Holt, Sarah (22 October 2006). "Who is the real Schumacher?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 October 2006.
  173. "Schuey vrooms into £30m home". The Sun. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
  174. "Taxi for Schumacher". BBC Sport. 12 December 2007. Retrieved 12 December 2007.
  175. "Police fuming over Schumacher's taxi race". Agence France-Presse. 15 December 2007. Retrieved 30 March 2008.
  176. "FIFA Fair Play: Playing for a better world". FIFA. 16 December 2004. Archived from the original on 18 September 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  177. "Thoughts on Schumacher". BBC Sport. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  178. "Diplomatic and Consular Representations of San Marino at large". Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  179. "Schumacher appointed ambassador of San Marino". Motorsport.com. 2 September 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  180. "Michael Schumacher, a UNESCO champion". UNESCO. 2002. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  181. "Clinton Foundation Donors". The Wall Street Journal. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2008.
  182. Sweney, Mark (4 July 2008). "Schumacher puts the brakes on drink-driving". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  183. "When Schumacher met Sachin!". Rediff Cricket Online. 23 July 2002. Retrieved 24 July 2002.
  184. "Schumacher 'revealed' as the Stig". BBC Online. 21 June 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
  185. "F1 : Schumacher completes a stint as Top Gear Stig - SCHUMACHER - F1-Live.com". En.f1-live.com. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  186. "Series 13, Episode 1". Top Gear. 12 June 2009. BBC Two. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  187. "The Best-Paid Athletes". Forbes. 24 June 2004. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  188. Reid, Angus (11 July 2006). "Sports: How Big Is Too Big?". Mediacheck. thetyee.ca. Retrieved 24 October 2006. Forbes magazine has not yet included him on its billionaires list. More recently, other sources have estimated his net worth in 2006 somewhat lower, www.f1i.com reported that it 'surpassed $800M'."Retired Schu to earn $26 m in 2007 – report". f1i.com. 18 September 2006. Archived from the original on 6 May 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2007.
  189. "The Celebrity 100". Forbes. 2005. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  190. "MOT: Schumacher slaps $11.9 m price on his head". AAP Sports News. 11 November 1999. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  191. "Schumacher's sponsor extends contract". GPUpdate.net. 31 August 2005. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  192. "Schumacher donates $10 m relief aid". CNN. 4 January 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
  193. McAllister, Mike (11 November 2005). "My Sportsman: Michael Schumacher". 2005 Sportsman of the Year. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  194. "Schumacher's bodyguard died in tsunami". Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  195. "Drivers top the rich list". ESPN F1. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  196. McEvoy, Jonathan (26 March 2010). "The £30m man: Michael Schumacher leaves his rivals in the shade with mega pay deal". Daily Mail. UK. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
  197. "Michael Schumacher's Skiing Accident in Méribel – Locations". X10. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  198. "Schumacher Head Injury Skiing". Snow Industry News. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  199. Noble, Jonathan (30 December 2013). "Helmet helped protect Michael Schumacher in skiing accident". Autosport. Haymarket Publishing. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  200. "Michael Schumacher 'still in wake-up phase'". CNN. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  201. Noble, Jonathan (30 December 2013). "Doctors say Michael Schumacher's condition 'extremely serious'". Autosport. Haymarket Publishing. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  202. "Schumacher has 'conscious moments' – agent". BBC News. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  203. Mackay, Don; Robson, Steve (13 June 2014). "Michael Schumacher moved from intensive care to rehab ward as chances of full recovery fade". Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  204. Schmuck, Pascal; Nicollier, Marie (16 June 2014). "Schumacher entre les mains des neurologues du CHUV". 24 Heures (in French). Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  205. "Michael Schumacher: 'paralysed and in a wheelchair'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  206. Manalo, Komfie (26 May 2015). "Michael Schumacher Latest Health Update: F1 Racing Superstar Improving 17 Months After Ski Accident". Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  207. "Most total wins". ESPN. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  208. "Most wins with 1 team". Stats F1. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  209. "Most wins at different grand prix". Stats F1. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  210. "Michael Schumacher". The Formula One Database. f1db.com. 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
  211. "Most poles". Stats F1. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  212. "5 hat tricks in a season". ESPN. Retrieved 13 May 2015.

All race and championship results (1991–2006) are taken from the Official Formula 1 Website. 1991 Season review onwards. www.formula1.com. Retrieved 23 May 2007

External links

Michael Schumacher sporting positions

Sporting positions
Preceded byNone Formula König champion
1988
Succeeded byThomas Winkelhock
Preceded byKarl Wendlinger German Formula Three champion
1990
Succeeded byTom Kristensen
Preceded byDavid Brabham Macau Grand Prix
Winner

1990
Succeeded byDavid Coulthard
Preceded byAlain Prost Formula One World Champion
19941995
Succeeded byDamon Hill
Preceded byMika Häkkinen Formula One World Champion
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Succeeded byFernando Alonso
Preceded byHeikki Kovalainen
Marcus Grönholm
Race of Champions
Nations' Cup

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Succeeded byTom Kristensen
Petter Solberg
(2014)
Preceded byFelipe Massa Desafio Internacional das Estrelas
Winner

2007
Succeeded byRubens Barrichello
Preceded byRubens Barrichello Desafio Internacional das Estrelas
Winner

2009
Succeeded byLucas di Grassi
Awards
Preceded byMarkus Wasmeier German Sportsman of the Year
1995
Succeeded byFrank Busemann
Preceded byDamon Hill Autosport
International Driver of the Year

1995
Succeeded byDamon Hill
Preceded byMika Häkkinen Autosport
International Driver of the Year

2000–2002
Succeeded byJuan Pablo Montoya
Preceded byTiger Woods L'Équipe Champion of Champions
2001–2003
Succeeded byHicham El Guerrouj
Preceded byTiger Woods Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
2002
Succeeded byLance Armstrong
Preceded byJuan Pablo Montoya Lorenzo Bandini Trophy
2003
Succeeded byKimi Räikkönen
Preceded byLance Armstrong Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
2004
Succeeded byRoger Federer
Preceded byJan Ullrich German Sportsman of the Year
2004
Succeeded byRonny Ackermann
Preceded bySpain national basketball team Prince of Asturias Award for Sports
2007
Succeeded byRafael Nadal
Records
Preceded byAlain Prost
51 wins
(19801991, 1993)
Most Grand Prix wins
91 wins
,
52nd at the 2001 Belgian GP
Incumbent
German Formula Three champions
Three-time
Two-time
One-time
Macau Grand Prix winners
Four-timeJohn MacDonald
Two-time
One-time
Formula One World Drivers' Champions
   

1950  G. Farina
1951  J. M. Fangio
1952  A. Ascari
1953  A. Ascari
1954  J. M. Fangio
1955  J. M. Fangio
1956  J. M. Fangio
1957  J. M. Fangio
1958  M. Hawthorn
1959  J. Brabham

1960  J. Brabham
1961  P. Hill
1962  G. Hill
1963  J. Clark
1964  J. Surtees
1965  J. Clark
1966  J. Brabham
1967  D. Hulme
1968  G. Hill
1969  J. Stewart

1970  J. Rindt
1971  J. Stewart
1972  E. Fittipaldi
1973  J. Stewart
1974  E. Fittipaldi
1975  N. Lauda
1976  J. Hunt
1977  N. Lauda
1978  M. Andretti
1979  J. Scheckter

1980  A. Jones
1981  N. Piquet
1982  K. Rosberg
1983  N. Piquet
1984  N. Lauda
1985  A. Prost
1986  A. Prost
1987  N. Piquet
1988  A. Senna
1989  A. Prost

1990  A. Senna
1991  A. Senna
1992  N. Mansell
1993  A. Prost
1994  M. Schumacher
1995  M. Schumacher
1996  D. Hill
1997  J. Villeneuve
1998  M. Häkkinen
1999  M. Häkkinen

2000  M. Schumacher
2001  M. Schumacher
2002  M. Schumacher
2003  M. Schumacher
2004  M. Schumacher
2005  F. Alonso
2006  F. Alonso
2007  K. Räikkönen
2008  L. Hamilton
2009  J. Button

2010  S. Vettel
2011  S. Vettel
2012  S. Vettel
2013  S. Vettel
2014  L. Hamilton
2015  L. Hamilton
2016  N. Rosberg
2017  L. Hamilton
2018  L. Hamilton
2019  L. Hamilton

2020  L. Hamilton
2021  M. Verstappen
2022  M. Verstappen
2023  M. Verstappen
2024  M. Verstappen

Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year
Winners of Autosport's International Racing Driver Award
Germany Mercedes-Benz in Formula One
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team (2010present)
Ownership
Mercedes-Benz Group (33.3%)
Toto Wolff (33.3%)
Ineos (33.3%)
Executive management
Toto Wolff (CEO & team principal)
Ola Källenius (Head of Mercedes-Benz)
Current personnel
James Allison
Peter Bonnington
Simon Cole
Ron Meadows
Jarrod Murphy
John Owen
Simone Resta
Markus Schäfer [de]
Britta Seeger
Andrew Shovlin
Hywel Thomas [ja]
Geoff Willis
Former personnel
Bob Bell
Loïc Bigois
Eric Blandin
Ross Brawn
Aldo Costa
Andy Cowell
Jock Clear
Tad Czapski
Jérôme d'Ambrosio
Mark Ellis
Mike Elliott
Nick Fry
Thomas Fuhr
Norbert Haug
Ben Hodgkinson [ja]
Jürgen Hubbert
Niki Lauda
Paddy Lowe
Tony Ross
Wolfgang Schattling
Loïc Serra
Mark Slade
James Vowles
Craig Wilson [ja]
Thomas Weber
Ian Wright
Dieter Zetsche
2024 Race drivers
44. United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton
63. United Kingdom George Russell
2025 Race drivers
12. Italy Andrea Kimi Antonelli
63. United Kingdom George Russell
2025 Test and reserve drivers
Finland Valtteri Bottas
Denmark Frederik Vesti
Simulator drivers
United Kingdom Jake Hughes
United Kingdom Anthony Davidson
Junior Team drivers
Australia James Anagnostiadis
Italy Andrea Kimi Antonelli
United Kingdom Kenzo Craigie
China Yuanpu Cui
Spain Luna Fluxá
France Doriane Pin
Jamaica Alex Powell
Denmark Frederik Vesti
World Champions
United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton
Germany Nico Rosberg
Ambassadors
Germany Nico Rosberg
Mexico Esteban Gutiérrez
United Kingdom Susie Wolff
Notable drivers
 Finland Valtteri Bottas
 Germany Michael Schumacher
Drivers' titles
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Constructors' titles
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Formula One cars
W01
W02
W03
W04
W05
W06
W07
W08
W09
W10
W11
W12
W13
W14
W15
Engine division
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Related
Mercedes-Benz Group
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-AMG
Daimler-Benz AG (19541955)
Personnel
Fritz Nallinger
Alfred Neubauer
Max Sailer
Rudolf Uhlenhaut
World Champions
Argentina Juan Manuel Fangio
Notable drivers
 Germany Hans Herrmann
 Germany Karl Kling
 Germany Hermann Lang
 United Kingdom Stirling Moss
 France André Simon
 Italy Piero Taruffi
Drivers' titles
1954
1955
Formula One cars
W196
Related
Mercedes-Benz
Silver Arrows
World Championships with Mercedes-Benz engines
Drivers' titles
1954
1955
1998
1999
2008
2009
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Constructors' titles
1998
2009
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2024


Related
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Mercedes engine customers' Grand Prix results
Mercedes-AMG

Italics indicate factory team.

Italy Scuderia Ferrari
Drivers
2024 Race drivers
2025 Race drivers
Test and reserve drivers
Ferrari Driver Academy
F1 world champions
F1 race winners
Personnel
Founder
Current
Former
Cars
Formula One
Formula Two
IndyCar/CART
Sports cars
Engines
Current
Past
  • L4 (1952–1956)
  • V6 (1958–1966)
  • Turbocharged V6 (1981–1988)
  • V8 (1956–1958, 1964–1965, 2006–2013)
  • V10 (1996–2005)
  • V12 (1950–1951, 1964–1980, 1989–1995)
Formula One titles
Drivers' titles
Constructors' titles
Related
Benetton Formula
Founder
Luciano Benetton
Team principals
Peter Collins
Flavio Briatore
David Richards
Rocco Benetton
Personnel
James Allison
Ben Agathangelou
Giorgio Ascanelli
John Barnard
Bob Bell
Ross Brawn
Rory Byrne
Nick Chester
Frank Coppuck
Tad Czapski
Tim Densham
Pat Fry
Mike Gascoyne
Rob Marshall
Steve Matchett
Paul Monaghan
Jarrod Murphy
Steve Nielsen
Alan Permane
Dave Redding
Sergio Rinland
Mark Smith
Nigel Stepney
Pat Symonds
Rob Taylor
Willem Toet
Nikolas Tombazis
Dino Toso
Naoki Tokunaga
Joan Villadelprat
John Walton
Jonathan Wheatley
Nick Wirth
World Champions
Michael Schumacher
Drivers
Teo Fabi
Gerhard Berger
Thierry Boutsen
Alessandro Nannini
Johnny Herbert
Emanuele Pirro
Nelson Piquet
Roberto Moreno
Michael Schumacher
Martin Brundle
Riccardo Patrese
JJ Lehto
Jos Verstappen
Jean Alesi
Alexander Wurz
Giancarlo Fisichella
Jenson Button
Drivers' titles
1994
1995
Constructors' titles
1995
Formula One cars
B186
B187
B188
B189
B189B
B190
B190B
B191
B191B
B192
B193
B193B
B194
B195
B196
B197
B198
B199
B200
B201
Related
Benetton Group
Team Enstone
Toleman
Renault
1994 cheating allegations
Republic of Ireland Jordan Grand Prix
Founder
Eddie Jordan
Notable staff
Gary Anderson
Bob Bell
Adrian Burgess
Trevor Carlin
Henri Durand
Jacky Eeckelaert
Mark Gallagher
Mike Gascoyne
Andrew Green
Akio Haga [ja]
Eghbal Hamidy
John Iley
James Key
Gianpiero Lambiase
John McQuilliam
Sam Michael
Paul Monaghan
Dave O'Neill [pt]
Nicolò Petrucci
Iñaki Rueda
Alex Shnaider
Rob Smedley
Mark Smith
Andy Stevenson
Dino Toso
Jon Tomlinson
John Walton
Notable drivers
France Jean Alesi
Brazil Rubens Barrichello
Italy Andrea de Cesaris
Italy Giancarlo Fisichella
Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen
United Kingdom Damon Hill
United Kingdom Eddie Irvine
Germany Michael Schumacher
Germany Ralf Schumacher
Italy Jarno Trulli
Formula One cars
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
EJ10
EJ10B
EJ11
EJ12
EJ13
EJ14
EJ15
EJ15B

Categories: