Historical Figure
Michael Schumacher
b. 1969
German racing driver (born 1969)
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Biography
Michael Schumacher is a German former racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1991 to 2006 and from 2010 to 2012. Schumacher won a record-setting seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, tied by Lewis Hamilton in 2020, and—at the time of his retirement—held the records for most wins (91), pole positions (68), and podium finishes (155), while he maintains the record for most fastest laps (77), among others.
In Their Own Words (5)
First, you have to finish.
Michael Schumacher (2001) after winning the Monaco Grand Prix in 2001: Cited in: Anthony D. Manning, Tony Manning (2002) Gift of Leadership. p. 37 , 2001
I've always believed that you should never, ever give up and you should always keep fighting even when there's only a slightest chance.
Schumacher (2007) "Schumacher applauds ‘super-performance’ Reuters : Berlin, october 22, Mon Oct 22 2007 , 2007
With the car we had, getting a pole was sort of obvious.
Schumacher (2006) cited in: "Schumi breaks Senna pole record" BBC SPORT News, Saturday, 22 April 2006, 13:04 GMT 14:04 UK , 2006
I'm Michael Schumacher. I don't need to test my driving ability
Schumacher (2004) in: "Barrichello on China pole". BBC SPORT News, Saturday, 25 September, 2004, 06:58 GMT 07:58 UK , 2004
Just being a mediocre driver has never been my ambition. That's not my style.
Schumacher (2006) cited in: "No pressure to quit insists Schumacher" Daily Mail UK, 13 September 2006 , 2006
Timeline
The story of Michael Schumacher, told in moments.
Won his first World Drivers' Championship with Benetton. Eight victories that season. The title was decided at the final race when he collided with rival Damon Hill. Defended the title in 1995 with nine more wins.
Delivered Ferrari their first Drivers' Championship in 21 years. Then won again in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Five consecutive titles. In 2002 he finished on the podium in every single race.
Won 13 of 18 races. Clinched a record seventh World Championship. 91 career wins. 68 pole positions. 155 podium finishes. 77 fastest laps. He retired in 2006 holding nearly every major record in the sport.
Suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps. He'd come out of retirement to race for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012. Details of his condition remain private. His family has shielded him from public view since.
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