Michael Schumacher (b. 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.

Timeline

The story of Michael Schumacher, told in moments.

1994 Event

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.

The controversial collision with Damon Hill. Was that intentional? Two titles with Benetton. Were you already the best?

2000 Event

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.

Ending Ferrari's 21-year drought. Was that your greatest achievement? Five consecutive titles. Did dominance become routine?

2004 Event

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.

13 of 18 races in 2004. Was perfection boring? 91 career wins. Did any single one matter most?

2013 Event

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.

A skiing accident after coming out of retirement. Does the randomness feel unjust? Your family shielding you from public view. Is privacy the last protection?

In Their Own Words (5)

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

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

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

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