Michael Schumacher: Difference between revisions
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{{Former F1 driver| |
{{Former F1 driver| |
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Name = Michael Schumacher | |
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Image = Michael Schumacher-I'm the man (cropped).jpg|200px| |
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Nationality = {{flagicon|GER}} [[Germany|German]] | |
Nationality = {{flagicon|GER}} [[Germany|German]] | |
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Years = {{F1|1991}}–{{F1|2006}} | |
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Team(s) = [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]], [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] | |
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Races = 250 | |
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Championships = 7 ({{F1|1994}}, {{F1|1995}}, {{F1|2000}}, {{F1|2001}}, {{F1|2002}}, {{F1|2003}}, {{F1|2004}})| |
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Wins = 91 | |
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Points = 1,369 | |
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Podiums = 154 | |
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Poles = 68 | |
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Fastest laps = 76 | |
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First race = [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix|1991]] [[Belgian Grand Prix]] | |
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First win = [[1992 Belgian Grand Prix|1992]] [[Belgian Grand Prix]] | |
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Last win = [[2006 Chinese Grand Prix|2006]] [[Chinese Grand Prix]] | |
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Last race = [[2006 Brazilian Grand Prix|2006]] [[Brazilian Grand Prix]] | |
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'''Michael Schumacher''' ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|pronounced]] /<span class="unicode audiolink">[[:Media:De-Michael-Schumacher.ogg|{{IPA|mɪçaeːl ʃumaxɐ}}]]</span> <span class="metadata audiolinkinfo"><small>([[Wikipedia:Media help|help]]•[[:Image:De-Michael-Schumacher.ogg|info]])</small></span>/, born [[January 3]], [[1969]], in [[Hürth|Hürth Hermülheim]], [[Germany]])<ref name="schumacher hof"> {{cite web | title = Hall of Fame - World Champions: Michael Schumacher | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | date = 2006 | url = http://www.formula1.com/archive/halloffame/driver/7.html | accessdate =2006-10-05}}</ref> is a former [[Formula One]] driver, and seven-time world champion. According to the official Formula One [[website]], he is "statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen".<ref name="most successful">{{cite news |title = Michael Schumacher - the end of an era |url = http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4932/765.html |publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website |date = 2006-09-10 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> <!-- DOES NOT BELONG IN THE LEAD: SEE TALK >>> Schumacher reportedly earned as much as $100 million U.S |
'''Michael Schumacher''' ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|pronounced]] /<span class="unicode audiolink">[[:Media:De-Michael-Schumacher.ogg|{{IPA|mɪçaeːl ʃumaxɐ}}]]</span> <span class="metadata audiolinkinfo"><small>([[Wikipedia:Media help|help]]•[[:Image:De-Michael-Schumacher.ogg|info]])</small></span>/, born [[January 3]], [[1969]], in [[Hürth|Hürth Hermülheim]], [[Germany]])<ref name="schumacher hof"> {{cite web | title = Hall of Fame - World Champions: Michael Schumacher | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | date = 2006 | url = http://www.formula1.com/archive/halloffame/driver/7.html | accessdate =2006-10-05}}</ref> is a former [[Formula One]] driver, and seven-time world champion. According to the official Formula One [[website]], he is "statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen".<ref name="most successful">{{cite news |title = Michael Schumacher - the end of an era |url = http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4932/765.html |publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website |date = 2006-09-10 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> <!-- DOES NOT BELONG IN THE LEAD: SEE TALK >>> Schumacher reportedly earned as much as $100 million U.S annually and according to Eurobusiness magazine, became the first athlete worth one Billion dollars. -->He is the first German to win the [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World championship]]<ref name ="firstgerman">[[Jochen Rindt]], who was born in Germany, won the Formula One World Championship under the [[Austria|Austrian]] flag.</ref> and is credited with popularising Formula One in Germany.<ref name = "superwheels">{{cite web | url = http://www.superwheels.co.za/default.asp?id=4846&des=sportstalk | title = The greatest driver of all time| accessdate = 2006-10-24| author = Sapa| date = 2006-09-11 | work = | publisher = SuperWheels}}</ref> In a 2006 [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] survey, Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular driver among Formula One fans.<ref>{{cite news |title = Schumacher tops F1 supporter poll |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5384692.stm |publisher = [[BBC Sport]] |date = 2006-09-27 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> |
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After winning two championships with [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], Schumacher moved to the [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] in 1996 and won five consecutive drivers' titles with them. Schumacher currently holds nearly every record in Formula One, including most drivers' championships, race victories, fastest laps, [[pole positions]], points scored and most races won in a single season. His driving sometimes created controversy. He has twice been involved in collisions that determined the outcome of the world championship, most notably his disqualification from the [[1997 Formula One season|1997 championship]] for causing a collision with [[Jacques Villeneuve]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5024532.stm | title = Schumacher's chequered history| accessdate = 2006-11-08| first = Andrew |last = Benson| date = 2006-05-28 |
After winning two championships with [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], Schumacher moved to the [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] in 1996 and won five consecutive drivers' titles with them. Schumacher currently holds nearly every record in Formula One, including most drivers' championships, race victories, fastest laps, [[pole positions]], points scored and most races won in a single season. His driving sometimes created controversy. He has twice been involved in collisions that determined the outcome of the world championship, most notably his disqualification from the [[1997 Formula One season|1997 championship]] for causing a collision with [[Jacques Villeneuve]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5024532.stm | title = Schumacher's chequered history| accessdate = 2006-11-08| first = Andrew |last = Benson| date = 2006-05-28 |
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==Early years== |
==Early years== |
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[[Image:Reynard F 903-001 1990 Michael Schuhmacher Formula 3 EMS.jpg|thumb|right|Schumacher's title-winning German [[Formula Three]] car from 1990.]] |
[[Image:Reynard F 903-001 1990 Michael Schuhmacher Formula 3 EMS.jpg|thumb|right|Schumacher's title-winning German [[Formula Three]] car from 1990.]] |
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Schumacher was born [[January 3]], [[1969]], in Hürth Hermülheim, to Rolf, a [[bricklayer]], and Elisabeth. When Schumacher was four, his father modified the young boy's [[Pedal car|pedal kart]] by adding a small motorcycle engine. After the young Schumacher crashed it into a lamp post in [[Kerpen]], his parents took him to the local [[karting]] track at Kerpen-Horrem where he became the youngest member of the karting club. His father soon built him a proper 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 at the circuit, while his wife worked at the track's cafeteria. Despite the extra income, when Schumacher needed a new engine costing [[German mark|DM]]800 his parents were unable to afford it, but their son was able to continue racing through support offered by several local businessmen.<ref>{{cite book | last = Collings| first = Timothy | coauthors = |
Schumacher was born [[January 3]], [[1969]], in Hürth Hermülheim, to Rolf, a [[bricklayer]], and Elisabeth. When Schumacher was four, his father modified the young boy's [[Pedal car|pedal kart]] by adding a small motorcycle engine. After the young Schumacher crashed it into a lamp post in [[Kerpen]], his parents took him to the local [[karting]] track at Kerpen-Horrem where he became the youngest member of the karting club. His father soon built him a proper 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 at the circuit, while his wife worked at the track's cafeteria. Despite the extra income, when Schumacher needed a new engine costing [[German mark|DM]]800 his parents were unable to afford it, but their son was able to continue racing through support offered by several local businessmen.<ref>{{cite book | last = Collings| first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = Team Schumacher | publisher = Highdown | date = 2005 | id = ISBN 1-905156-03-0| pages = pp.35-37}}</ref> |
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In order to obtain a kart license in Germany the regulations required the driver to be at least 14 years old. Therefore in 1981, to get around this, Schumacher obtained a license in Luxembourg instead.<ref name="early years">{{cite web |
In order to obtain a kart license in Germany the regulations required the driver to be at least 14 years old. Therefore in 1981, to get around this, Schumacher obtained a license in Luxembourg instead.<ref name="early years">{{cite web |
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| title =The Beginning |
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| work =mschumacher.com |
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| publisher =Crash.net |
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| date =2006 |
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| url =http://www.mschumacher.com/history.html |
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| accessdate =2007-04-23 }}</ref> In 1983 he obtained his German license and the year after he won the German Junior Kart Championship. |
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From 1984, Schumacher won numerous German and [[European]] kart championships. He joined Eurokart dealer Adolf Neubert in 1985. By 1987 he was the German and European kart champion, at which point he withdrew from school and began working as a mechanic. In 1988 Schumacher made his first step into single-seat car racing by racing in the German [[Formula Ford]] and [[Formula König]] series, the second of which he won.<ref name="early results">{{cite book | last = Domenjoz | first = Luc | title = Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius | origyear = 2002 | accessdate = | edition = | publisher = Parragon |
From 1984, Schumacher won numerous German and [[European]] kart championships. He joined Eurokart dealer Adolf Neubert in 1985. By 1987 he was the German and European kart champion, at which point he withdrew from school and began working as a mechanic. In 1988 Schumacher made his first step into single-seat car racing by racing in the German [[Formula Ford]] and [[Formula König]] series, the second of which he won.<ref name="early results">{{cite book | last = Domenjoz | first = Luc | title = Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius | origyear = 2002 | accessdate = | edition = | publisher = Parragon | location = | id = ISBN 0-75259-228-9 | pages = pp.10-12, 170-171}}</ref> |
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In 1989 Michael signed with [[Willi Weber|Willi Weber's]] WTS [[Formula 3]] team. For the next two years, funded by Weber, he competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. Towards the end of 1990, along with his Formula 3 rivals [[Heinz-Harald Frentzen]] and [[Karl Wendlinger]], he joined the [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] junior racing programme in the [[1990 World Sportscar Championship season|World Sports-Prototype Championship]]. This was an unusual move for a young driver: most of Schumacher's contemporaries would instead compete in [[Formula 3000]] on their way to Formula One. However, Weber advised Schumacher that exposure to professional press conferences and driving powerful cars in long distance races would help his career.<ref name="early years" /> He gained victory at the season finale at the [[Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez]] in a [[Sauber]]-[[Mercedes-Benz C11|Mercedes C11]] and finishing fifth in the drivers' championship. |
In 1989 Michael signed with [[Willi Weber|Willi Weber's]] WTS [[Formula 3]] team. For the next two years, funded by Weber, he competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. Towards the end of 1990, along with his Formula 3 rivals [[Heinz-Harald Frentzen]] and [[Karl Wendlinger]], he joined the [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] junior racing programme in the [[1990 World Sportscar Championship season|World Sports-Prototype Championship]]. This was an unusual move for a young driver: most of Schumacher's contemporaries would instead compete in [[Formula 3000]] on their way to Formula One. However, Weber advised Schumacher that exposure to professional press conferences and driving powerful cars in long distance races would help his career.<ref name="early years" /> He gained victory at the season finale at the [[Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez]] in a [[Sauber]]-[[Mercedes-Benz C11|Mercedes C11]] and finishing fifth in the drivers' championship. He continued with the team in the [[1991 World Sportscar Championship season|1991]] season, winning again at the final race of the season at [[Autopolis]] in Japan with a [[Sauber]]-[[Mercedes-Benz C291]], leading to a ninth place finish in the drivers championship. In 1991 he competed in one race in the [[Japan]]ese [[Formula 3000]] Championship, finishing second.<!--Commented out ref to DTM, as it does not appear in the ref I've used: ", and the [[DTM (racing)|German Touring Car Championship]] in the early 1990s."--><ref name="early results" /> |
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==Formula One career== |
==Formula One career== |
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===Overview=== |
===Overview=== |
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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.<ref>{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all | publisher = Haynes | date = 2003 | pages = pp.131-132|id = 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."</ref> Some of Schumacher's best performances occurred in such conditions, earning him the title "''Regenkönig''" (rain king) or "Regenmeister" (rain master).<ref>{{cite news |title = Schumacher races to victory |
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.<ref>{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all | publisher = Haynes | date = 2003 | pages = pp.131-132|id = 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."</ref> Some of Schumacher's best performances occurred in such conditions, earning him the title "''Regenkönig''" (rain king) or "Regenmeister" (rain master).<ref>{{cite news |title = Schumacher races to victory |
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|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1227766.stm |publisher = BBC Sport |date = 2001-03-18 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> He is known as "the Red Baron", due to 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",<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso ahead of Schumi | publisher = News24 | date = 2006-10-21 | url = http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,9294,2-9-32_2018131,00.html | accessdate =2006-10-22}}</ref> "Schuey"<ref>{{cite news | title = Schuey exit promises many twists and turns |
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1227766.stm |publisher = BBC Sport |date = 2001-03-18 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> He is known as "the Red Baron", due to 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",<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso ahead of Schumi | publisher = News24 | date = 2006-10-21 | url = http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,9294,2-9-32_2018131,00.html | accessdate =2006-10-22}}</ref> "Schuey"<ref>{{cite news | title = Schuey exit promises many twists and turns |
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===Debut=== |
===Debut=== |
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[[Image:Jordan 191 rain.png|thumb|left|Schumacher testing the [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan 191]].]] |
[[Image:Jordan 191 rain.png|thumb|left|Schumacher testing the [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan 191]].]] |
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Schumacher made his Formula One debut with the [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]]-[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] team at the [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix]] 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.<ref>{{cite book | last = Collings | first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = The Piranha Club | publisher = Virgin Books| date = 2004 | pages = p.17|id = ISBN 0-7535-0965-2}}</ref> The week before the race, Schumacher impressed Jordan designer Gary Anderson and team manager Trevor Foster during a test drive at [[Silverstone Circuit|Silverstone]]. His manager [[Willi Weber]] assured Jordan that though Schumacher had only seen the challenging [[Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps|Spa]] track as a spectator, he knew it well. During the race weekend, teammate [[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 [[bicycle|bike]] he had brought with him.<ref>{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher: The whole story | publisher = Haynes | date = 2006 | pages = pp.62-66|id = ISBN 1-84425-008-3}}</ref> He impressed the paddock by qualifying seventh in this race, his first competition in a Formula One car. |
Schumacher made his Formula One debut with the [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]]-[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] team at the [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix]] 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.<ref>{{cite book | last = Collings | first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = The Piranha Club | publisher = Virgin Books| date = 2004 | pages = p.17|id = ISBN 0-7535-0965-2}}</ref> The week before the race, Schumacher impressed Jordan designer Gary Anderson and team manager Trevor Foster during a test drive at [[Silverstone Circuit|Silverstone]]. His manager [[Willi Weber]] assured Jordan that though Schumacher had only seen the challenging [[Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps|Spa]] track as a spectator, he knew it well. During the race weekend, teammate [[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 [[bicycle|bike]] he had brought with him.<ref>{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher: The whole story | publisher = Haynes | date = 2006 | pages = pp.62-66|id = ISBN 1-84425-008-3}}</ref> He impressed the paddock by qualifying seventh in this race, his first competition in a Formula One car. 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]]'."<ref>Hilton (2006) pp.67-68</ref> Schumacher retired on the first lap of the race with [[clutch]] problems.<ref name="f1-1991 Belgian gp result">{{cite web| url =http://www.formula1.com/archive/grandprix/1991/209.html | title = 1991 Belgian Grand Prix | accessdate = 2006-10-24| date = 2006| work = Results Archive| publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website}}</ref> |
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<br><!-- THESE BREAKS ARE SO THE HEADING DOES NOT GET JAMMED BY THE PRECEEDING SECTION'S PHOTO!!! --> |
<br /><!-- THESE BREAKS ARE SO THE HEADING DOES NOT GET JAMMED BY THE PRECEEDING SECTION'S PHOTO!!! --> |
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===Benetton years=== |
===Benetton years=== |
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[[Image:Benetton 191.jpg|thumb|250px|right|After his debut for Jordan, Schumacher was signed by Benetton to drive a car similar to this B191 for the rest of the season.]] |
[[Image:Benetton 191.jpg|thumb|250px|right|After his debut for Jordan, Schumacher was signed by Benetton to drive a car similar to this B191 for the rest of the season.]] |
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====1991–1993==== |
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After his debut, and despite Jordan's signed [[Wiktionary:Agreement in principle|agreement in principle]] with Schumacher's Mercedes management for the remainder of the season, Schumacher was signed by [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]]-[[Ford Motor Company|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 contract.<ref>{{cite book |
After his debut, and despite Jordan's signed [[Wiktionary:Agreement in principle|agreement in principle]] with Schumacher's Mercedes management for the remainder of the season, Schumacher was signed by [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]]-[[Ford Motor Company|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 contract.<ref>{{cite book |
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| last =Collings |
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| first =Timothy |
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| title =''The Piranha Club'' |
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| publisher =Virgin Books |
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| date =2007 |
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| pages =Chapter 1 'Welcome to the Piranha Club' |
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| isbn =1-8522-7907-9 }}</ref> Schumacher finished the [[1991 Formula One Season|1991 season]] with four points in six races. His best finish was fifth in his second race, the [[1991 Italian Grand Prix|Italian Grand Prix]], in which he outpaced his teammate and three-time World Champion [[Nelson Piquet]]. |
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At the start of the [[1992 Formula One season]] the [[Sauber]] team, planning their Formula One debut with Mercedes backing for the following year, invoked a clause in Schumacher's contract which stated that if Mercedes entered Formula One, Schumacher would drive for them. It was eventually agreed that Schumacher would stay with Benetton, Peter Sauber commenting "Michael didn't want to drive for us. Why would I have forced him?".<ref>Domenjoz (2002) p.38</ref> The year was dominated by the Williams of [[Nigel Mansell]] and [[Riccardo Patrese]], featuring powerful Renault engines, [[Semi-automatic transmission|semi-automatic gearboxes]] and [[active suspension]] to control the car's ride height.<ref>{{cite book |
At the start of the [[1992 Formula One season]] the [[Sauber]] team, planning their Formula One debut with Mercedes backing for the following year, invoked a clause in Schumacher's contract which stated that if Mercedes entered Formula One, Schumacher would drive for them. It was eventually agreed that Schumacher would stay with Benetton, Peter Sauber commenting "Michael didn't want to drive for us. Why would I have forced him?".<ref>Domenjoz (2002) p.38</ref> The year was dominated by the Williams of [[Nigel Mansell]] and [[Riccardo Patrese]], featuring powerful Renault engines, [[Semi-automatic transmission|semi-automatic gearboxes]] and [[active suspension]] to control the car's ride height.<ref>{{cite book | last =Henry | first =Alan (ed.) | title =Autocourse 1992 - 93 | publisher =Hazleton Publishing | date =1992 | pages =p.50 | isbn =0-905138-96-1 }}</ref> In the 'conventional' Benetton B192 Schumacher took his place on the [[podium]] at the end of the race for the first time, after finishing third in the [[1992 Mexican Grand Prix]]. He went on to take his first victory at the [[1992 Belgian Grand Prix]], in a wet race at the [[Spa-Francorchamps]] circuit, which by 2003 he would call "far and away my favourite track".<ref>{{cite book | last =Kehm | first =Sabine | title =''Michael Schumacher. Driving Force'' | publisher =Random House | date =2003 | pages =p.14 | isbn =0-091894-352 }}</ref> He finished third in the Drivers' Championship in 1992 with 53 points, three points behind runner-up Patrese. |
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The [[1993 Formula One season|1993 championship]] was again dominated by the Williams-Renaults of [[Damon Hill]] and [[Alain Prost]]. Benetton introduced their own active suspension and traction control early in the season, last of the frontrunning teams to do so.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr538.html|title= Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1993|accessdate= 2006-11-06|work = Grand Prix Encyclopedia|publisher = GrandPrix.com}}. 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 & |
The [[1993 Formula One season|1993 championship]] was again dominated by the Williams-Renaults of [[Damon Hill]] and [[Alain Prost]]. Benetton introduced their own active suspension and traction control early in the season, last of the frontrunning teams to do so.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr538.html|title= Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1993|accessdate= 2006-11-06|work = Grand Prix Encyclopedia|publisher = GrandPrix.com}}. 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)</ref> Schumacher won one race, the [[1993 Portuguese Grand Prix|Portuguese Grand Prix]], but retired in seven of the other 15 races. He finished the season in fourth, with 52 points. |
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====1994–1995: World Championship years==== |
====1994–1995: World Championship years==== |
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In {{F1|1995}} he successfully defended his title with Benetton. He accumulated 33 more points than second-placed [[Damon Hill]]. With teammate [[Johnny Herbert]], he took Benetton to its first [[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|Constructors' Championship]] and became the youngest two-time world champion in Formula One history. In one of the early races of the season Herbert set a faster lap time than Schumacher in qualifying. After that Herbert said he was prohibited from seeing Schumacher's [[telemetry]].<ref> {{cite web| url =http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=6&id=2587932 | title = Former teammates weigh in on Schumacher | accessdate = 2007-04-24| date = 2006-10-05| work =ESPN| publisher = ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> |
In {{F1|1995}} he successfully defended his title with Benetton. He accumulated 33 more points than second-placed [[Damon Hill]]. With teammate [[Johnny Herbert]], he took Benetton to its first [[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|Constructors' Championship]] and became the youngest two-time world champion in Formula One history. In one of the early races of the season Herbert set a faster lap time than Schumacher in qualifying. After that Herbert said he was prohibited from seeing Schumacher's [[telemetry]].<ref> {{cite web| url =http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=6&id=2587932 | title = Former teammates weigh in on Schumacher | accessdate = 2007-04-24| date = 2006-10-05| work =ESPN| publisher = ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> |
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Schumacher won nine of the 17 races, and finished on the podium 11 times. Only once did he qualify worse than fourth; at the [[1995 Belgian Grand Prix]], he qualified 16th, but went on to win the race.<ref name="f1-1995 Belgian gp result"> {{cite web| url =http://www.formula1.com/archive/grandprix/1995/125.html |
Schumacher won nine of the 17 races, and finished on the podium 11 times. Only once did he qualify worse than fourth; at the [[1995 Belgian Grand Prix]], he qualified 16th, but went on to win the race.<ref name="f1-1995 Belgian gp result"> {{cite web| url =http://www.formula1.com/archive/grandprix/1995/125.html | title = 1995 Belgian Grand Prix | accessdate = 2006-10-24| date = 2006| work = Results Archive| publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website |
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}}</ref> After Schumacher left Benetton, the team would win only one more race before being bought by Renault in 2000. |
}}</ref> After Schumacher left Benetton, the team would win only one more race before being bought by Renault in 2000. |
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====1996–1999==== |
====1996–1999==== |
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In 1996 Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship. He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995. However, the team had reliability trouble: Schumacher did not finish 6 of the 16 races. In the [[1996 French Grand Prix|French Grand Prix]] Schumacher qualified in [[pole position]], but suffered engine failure on the race's formation lap.<ref name = "96frenchgp">{{cite news | title = GRAND PRIX RESULTS: FRENCH GP, 1996 | publisher = grandprix.com | date = |
In 1996 Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship. He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995. However, the team had reliability trouble: Schumacher did not finish 6 of the 16 races. In the [[1996 French Grand Prix|French Grand Prix]] Schumacher qualified in [[pole position]], but suffered engine failure on the race's formation lap.<ref name = "96frenchgp">{{cite news | title = GRAND PRIX RESULTS: FRENCH GP, 1996 | publisher = grandprix.com | date = | url = http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr590.html |first = Magny |last = Cours | accessdate = 2007-04-18}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Schu Hakk 98BritGP.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Schumacher battles with [[David Coulthard]] at the [[1998 British Grand Prix]].]] |
[[Image:Schu Hakk 98BritGP.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Schumacher battles with [[David Coulthard]] at the [[1998 British Grand Prix]].]] |
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Michael Schumacher and [[Jacques Villeneuve]] vied for the title in {{F1|1997}}. In the first part of the season, Villeneuve held the advantage, driving the superior FW19.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.grandprix.com/race/r713fqreport.html| title = Friday Press Conference| accessdate = 2006-11-08| date =2003-10-10 | publisher = GrandPrix.com}}</ref> However, by mid-season, Schumacher led the Championship, winning five races, and entered the season's final Grand Prix with a one-point advantage. During the race, held at [[Circuito Permanente de Jerez|Jerez]], Schumacher and Villeneuve collided as Villeneuve attempted to overtake. Schumacher retired from the race and Villeneuve scored four points to take the championship. |
Michael Schumacher and [[Jacques Villeneuve]] vied for the title in {{F1|1997}}. In the first part of the season, Villeneuve held the advantage, driving the superior FW19.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.grandprix.com/race/r713fqreport.html| title = Friday Press Conference| accessdate = 2006-11-08| date =2003-10-10 | publisher = GrandPrix.com}}</ref> However, by mid-season, Schumacher led the Championship, winning five races, and entered the season's final Grand Prix with a one-point advantage. During the race, held at [[Circuito Permanente de Jerez|Jerez]], Schumacher and Villeneuve collided as Villeneuve attempted to overtake. Schumacher retired from the race and Villeneuve scored four points to take the championship. Schumacher was held to be at fault for the collision and was disqualified from the Drivers' Championship.<ref name="fia97verdict">{{cite news | title = |
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FIA World Motor Sport Council - 11 November 1997 | publisher = FIA | date = 1997-11-11 | url = http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/2064282370__11_11_1997_WMSC.pdf | accessdate = 2006-10-29}}</ref> |
FIA World Motor Sport Council - 11 November 1997 | publisher = FIA | date = 1997-11-11 | url = http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/2064282370__11_11_1997_WMSC.pdf | accessdate = 2006-10-29}}</ref> |
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In {{F1|1998}}, [[Finland|Finnish]] driver [[Mika Häkkinen]] became one of Schumacher's serious contenders. Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16 point advantage over Schumacher. But by the 14th of 16 races, Schumacher equaled the Finn with 80 points, having won six times. Häkkinen won the Drivers' Championship by winning the final two races. <!-- *[otheus]I think this is trivia; it's interesting, but it |
In {{F1|1998}}, [[Finland|Finnish]] driver [[Mika Häkkinen]] became one of Schumacher's serious contenders. Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16 point advantage over Schumacher. But by the 14th of 16 races, Schumacher equaled the Finn with 80 points, having won six times. Häkkinen won the Drivers' Championship by winning the final two races. <!-- *[[otheus]]I think this is trivia; it's interesting, but it does not fit here. Maybe somewhere else in the article? * >>>>> --><!-- After a race-ending collision whilst trying to lap Häkkinen's team mate [[David Coulthard]] during the [[1998 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgian Grand Prix]], Schumacher stormed into the [[McLaren]] garage and accused Coulthard of trying to kill him.<ref>{{cite news | title = Crash was my fault, Coulthard admits | publisher = Reuters | date = 2003-06-07 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430084085.html | accessdate = 2006-09-28 }}</ref> --> |
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Schumacher's efforts helped Ferrari win the Constructors title in {{F1|1999}}. His chances for the Drivers' Championship were made remote, however, at the [[1999 British Grand Prix|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.<ref name="broken leg"> {{cite news |title = Schumacher out of action |url = http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns02071.html |
Schumacher's efforts helped Ferrari win the Constructors title in {{F1|1999}}. His chances for the Drivers' Championship were made remote, however, at the [[1999 British Grand Prix|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.<ref name="broken leg"> {{cite news |title = Schumacher out of action |url = http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns02071.html |work = |publisher = GrandPrix.com |date = 1999-07-12 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> During his long absence, he was replaced by Finnish driver [[Mika Salo]]. After missing six races, he made his return at the inaugural [[1999 Malaysian Grand Prix|Malaysian Grand Prix]], qualifying in the 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 [[1999 Japanese Grand Prix|Japanese Grand Prix]], Häkkinen won his second consecutive title. Schumacher would later say that Häkkinen was the opponent he respected the most.<ref name="hakkinen hof">{{cite web | title = Hall of Fame - World Champions: Mika Hakkinen | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | date = 2006 | url = http://www.formula1.com/archive/halloffame/driver/40.html | accessdate =2006-10-05}}</ref> |
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====2000–2004: World Championship years==== |
====2000–2004: World Championship years==== |
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Schumacher broke Juan Manuel Fangio's record for championship wins by winning the drivers' title for the sixth time in {{F1|2003}}, a closely contested season. The biggest competition came once again from the [[Team McLaren|McLaren Mercedes]] and [[Williams F1|Williams BMW]]. In the first race, Schumacher ran off track, and in the following two, was involved in collisions.<ref>{{cite news | title = Coulthard takes Melbourne thriller | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-03-09 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2832441.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Raikkonen claims maiden win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-03-23 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2877461.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Raikkonen wins chaotic race | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-04-06 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2922651.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> He fell 16 points behind [[Kimi Räikkönen]]. Schumacher won the [[2003 San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino Grand Prix]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumacher ends barren run | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-04-20 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2962573.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> and the next two races, and closed within two points of Räikkönen. Aside from Schumacher's victory in [[2003 Canadian Grand Prix|Canada]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Michael wins Schumacher battle | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-06-15 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2992456.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> and Barrichello's victory in [[2003 British Grand Prix|Britain]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Silverstone joy for Barrichello | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-07-20 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3081859.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> the mid-season was dominated by Williams drivers [[Ralf Schumacher]] and [[Juan Pablo Montoya]], who each claimed two victories. After the [[2003 Hungarian Grand Prix|Hungarian Grand Prix]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso storms to historic win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-08-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3177693.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> Michael Schumacher led [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] and [[Kimi Räikkönen]] by only one and two points, respectively. Ahead of the next race, the FIA declared illegal the front tyre design used by [[Michelin]], supplier to Williams and McLaren among others.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
Schumacher broke Juan Manuel Fangio's record for championship wins by winning the drivers' title for the sixth time in {{F1|2003}}, a closely contested season. The biggest competition came once again from the [[Team McLaren|McLaren Mercedes]] and [[Williams F1|Williams BMW]]. In the first race, Schumacher ran off track, and in the following two, was involved in collisions.<ref>{{cite news | title = Coulthard takes Melbourne thriller | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-03-09 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2832441.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Raikkonen claims maiden win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-03-23 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2877461.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Raikkonen wins chaotic race | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-04-06 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2922651.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> He fell 16 points behind [[Kimi Räikkönen]]. Schumacher won the [[2003 San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino Grand Prix]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumacher ends barren run | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-04-20 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2962573.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> and the next two races, and closed within two points of Räikkönen. Aside from Schumacher's victory in [[2003 Canadian Grand Prix|Canada]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Michael wins Schumacher battle | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-06-15 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2992456.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> and Barrichello's victory in [[2003 British Grand Prix|Britain]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Silverstone joy for Barrichello | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-07-20 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3081859.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> the mid-season was dominated by Williams drivers [[Ralf Schumacher]] and [[Juan Pablo Montoya]], who each claimed two victories. After the [[2003 Hungarian Grand Prix|Hungarian Grand Prix]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso storms to historic win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2003-08-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3177693.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-23}}</ref> Michael Schumacher led [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] and [[Kimi Räikkönen]] by only one and two points, respectively. Ahead of the next race, the FIA declared illegal the front tyre design used by [[Michelin]], supplier to Williams and McLaren among others.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
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FIA stands by tyre rulings | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2006-09-09 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3092598.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-25}}</ref> Michelin had to rapidly redesign their tyres before the [[2003 Italian Grand Prix|Italian Grand Prix]]. Schumacher, running on [[Bridgestone]] tyres, won the next two races.<!-- *otheus* were they decisive? Or extremely closely contested? |
FIA stands by tyre rulings | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2006-09-09 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3092598.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-25}}</ref> Michelin had to rapidly redesign their tyres before the [[2003 Italian Grand Prix|Italian Grand Prix]]. Schumacher, running on [[Bridgestone]] tyres, won the next two races.<!-- *otheus* were they decisive? Or extremely closely contested? cannot be both! 4u1e - actually they can. Close in terms of the race, decisive in terms of the championship! :) --> After Montoya was penalized in the [[2003 United States Grand Prix|United States Grand Prix]], only Schumacher and Räikkönen remained in contention for the title. At the final round, the [[2003 Japanese Grand Prix|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. |
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In {{F1|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 [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|seventh drivers' title]] at the [[2004 Belgian Grand Prix|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 Formula One season|2002 season]]. |
In {{F1|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 [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|seventh drivers' title]] at the [[2004 Belgian Grand Prix|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 Formula One season|2002 season]]. |
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[[Image:Lap4 Canada2005 McLaren and Ferrari.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Schumacher battling with [[Kimi Räikkönen]] during the [[2005 Canadian Grand Prix]].]] |
[[Image:Lap4 Canada2005 McLaren and Ferrari.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Schumacher battling with [[Kimi Räikkönen]] during the [[2005 Canadian Grand Prix]].]] |
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In {{F1|2005}} Schumacher's sole win came at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix|United States Grand Prix]]. Prior to that race, the Michelin tyres, used by most teams, 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 first lap. |
In {{F1|2005}} Schumacher's sole win came at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix|United States Grand Prix]]. Prior to that race, the Michelin tyres, used by most teams, 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 first lap. However, rule changes for the 2005 and 2006 seasons required tyres to last an entire race,<ref name=rulechanges>{{ cite news | url= http://www.formula1.com/news/2367.html | title = FIA announce rule changes for 2005 and 2006 | work= The Official Formula 1 Website | date=2004-10-22 | accessdate= 2007-04-13 }}</ref> 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.<ref name = "superwheels" /> 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."<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso within touching distance of title | publisher = Guardian Unlimited | date = 2005-07-27 | url = http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,10069,1535586,00.html |first = Alan |last = Henry| accessdate = 2006-11-05}}</ref> The most notable moment of the season for Schumacher was his battle with [[Fernando Alonso]] in [[2005 San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino]], where he qualified 14th and finished only 0.2 seconds behind the Spanish driver.<ref>{{cite news | title = Alonso holds off Schumacher surge | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2005-04-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4478747.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> Schumacher retired in six of the 19 races. He finished the season in third with 62 points, less than half the points of world champion Alonso. |
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{{F1|2006}} became the last season of Schumacher's racing career. After three races, Schumacher had 11 points and was already 17 points behind Alonso. He won the following two races, his first wins in 18 months, not including the boycotted [[2005 United States Grand Prix]]. <!-- *otheus: Where/when San Marino?? relevance?* >>>> His pole position at San Marino was his 66th, breaking Ayrton Senna's 12 year old record. --><!-- *otheus: Also, this picture |
{{F1|2006}} became the last season of Schumacher's racing career. After three races, Schumacher had 11 points and was already 17 points behind Alonso. He won the following two races, his first wins in 18 months, not including the boycotted [[2005 United States Grand Prix]]. <!-- *otheus: Where/when San Marino?? relevance?* >>>> His pole position at San Marino was his 66th, breaking Ayrton Senna's 12 year old record. --><!-- *otheus: Also, this picture is not particularly interesting nor of high quality because of the fence >>> [[Image:Schumacher Suzuka2006.jpg|thumb|250px|Schumacher before the engine failure during the [[2006 Japanese Grand Prix]].]]-->By the [[2006 Canadian Grand Prix|Canadian Grand Prix]], the ninth race of the season, he was 25 points behind Alonso, and the three wins that followed helped him reduce his disadvantage to 11. After his victories in [[2006 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]] and [[2006 Chinese Grand Prix|China]], in both of which Alonso was plagued by mechanical failures, 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. |
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[[Image:Michael Schumacher 2006 Brazil last overtaking cropped.jpg |thumb|right|Schumacher overtakes Kimi Räikkönen with three laps to go of his final race, having dropped to 19th early on.]] |
[[Image:Michael Schumacher 2006 Brazil last overtaking cropped.jpg |thumb|right|Schumacher overtakes Kimi Räikkönen with three laps to go of his final race, having dropped to 19th early on.]] |
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The Japanese Grand Prix was led by Schumacher with only 16 laps to go, when for the first time since 2000 in Magnycours, France, Schumacher suffered engine failure. |
The Japanese Grand Prix was led by Schumacher with only 16 laps to go, when for the first time since 2000 in Magnycours, France, Schumacher suffered engine failure. Alonso won the race and now led the championship standings by 10 points. With only one race left in the season, Schumacher could only win the championship if in that race he won and if Alonso did not manage to score a single point. |
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Before the [[2006 Brazilian Grand Prix|Brazilian Grand Prix]], the last race of his career, Schumacher conceded the title to Alonso.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumacher concedes title to Alonso | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | date = 2006-10-08 | url = http://www.formula1.com/race/news/5092/768.html | accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref> In pre-race ceremonies, [[football (soccer)|football]] legend [[Pelé]] presented an award to Schumacher for his years of dedication to Formula One. During the race's qualifying session, Schumacher had the best time of all drivers through the first two sessions; 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 pushed forward to the sixth position. However, in overtaking Alonso's teammate, [[Giancarlo Fisichella]], Schumacher experienced a tyre puncture caused by the front wing of Fisichella's car.<ref>{{cite news | title = Fisi did cause Schu puncture | publisher = itv.com/f1 | date = 2006-10-23 | url = http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37856 | accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref> 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 4th place. His performance was classified in the press as "heroic",<ref>{{cite news | title = Superb Schumi signs off in style | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2006-10-22 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6075782.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> an "utterly breath-taking drive",<ref>{{cite news | title = Brazil: Alonso takes championship, but Michael steals the show | publisher = ManipeF1 | date = 2006-10-22 | url = http://www.manipef1.com/news/2006/index.php?id=1744 | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> and a "performance that |
Before the [[2006 Brazilian Grand Prix|Brazilian Grand Prix]], the last race of his career, Schumacher conceded the title to Alonso.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumacher concedes title to Alonso | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | date = 2006-10-08 | url = http://www.formula1.com/race/news/5092/768.html | accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref> In pre-race ceremonies, [[football (soccer)|football]] legend [[Pelé]] presented an award to Schumacher for his years of dedication to Formula One. During the race's qualifying session, Schumacher had the best time of all drivers through the first two sessions; 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 pushed forward to the sixth position. However, in overtaking Alonso's teammate, [[Giancarlo Fisichella]], Schumacher experienced a tyre puncture caused by the front wing of Fisichella's car.<ref>{{cite news | title = Fisi did cause Schu puncture | publisher = itv.com/f1 | date = 2006-10-23 | url = http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37856 | accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref> 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 4th place. His performance was classified in the press as "heroic",<ref>{{cite news | title = Superb Schumi signs off in style | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2006-10-22 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6075782.stm | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> an "utterly breath-taking drive",<ref>{{cite news | title = Brazil: Alonso takes championship, but Michael steals the show | publisher = ManipeF1 | date = 2006-10-22 | url = http://www.manipef1.com/news/2006/index.php?id=1744 | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> and a "performance that ... sums up his career".<ref>{{cite news | title = 2006 Brazil Grand Prix Report | publisher = PitPass | date = | url = http://www.pitpass.com/src/seasons/2006/gp/brazil/report/result.php | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref> |
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===Retirement=== |
===Retirement=== |
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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.<ref name="press release">{{cite press release | title =Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship. | publisher =Ferrari S.p.A. | date =2006-09-10 | url =http://www.ferrariworld.com/events/ms/pdf/monza01_en.pdf | accessdate =2006-10-24}}</ref> |
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.<ref name="press release">{{cite press release | title =Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship. | publisher =Ferrari S.p.A. | date =2006-09-10 | url =http://www.ferrariworld.com/events/ms/pdf/monza01_en.pdf | accessdate =2006-10-24}}</ref> Schumacher confirmed his retirement in the post-race press conference.<ref name="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]].<ref name="newrole">{{cite news | title = New role for Schumacher at Ferrari? | publisher = PitPass | date = 2006-10-29 | url = http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=29851 | accessdate = 2006-10-29}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web| title="Tributes to Schumi" | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6075194.stm | publisher= BBC Sport | date=2006-10-22 | accessdate =2006-10-24}}</ref> 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.<ref name="schumacher retirement responses3">{{cite news |first = Simon |last = Evans |title = Italy shows gratitude to Schumacher |url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/54449 |work = |publisher = AutoSport |date = 2006-09-11 |accessdate = 2006-09-12}}</ref> |
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===Honours=== |
===Honours=== |
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The following year the Swiss Football Association appointed Schumacher as the Swiss ambassador for the [[2008 UEFA European Football Championship|2008 European football championship]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/04/16/schumacher_becomes_swiss_football_ambassador/ | title = Schumacher becomes Swiss football ambassador | accessdate = 2007-04-16 | date = 2007-04-16 | publisher = GPUpdate.net}}</ref> A month later he presented [[A1 Grand Prix|A1]] [[A1 Team Germany|Team Germany]] with the World Cup trophy at the [[2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season|A1GP World Cup]] of Motorsport 2007 awards ceremony. He received a standing ovation from the gathered crowd when he was announced on stage.<ref>{{cite web |
The following year the Swiss Football Association appointed Schumacher as the Swiss ambassador for the [[2008 UEFA European Football Championship|2008 European football championship]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/04/16/schumacher_becomes_swiss_football_ambassador/ | title = Schumacher becomes Swiss football ambassador | accessdate = 2007-04-16 | date = 2007-04-16 | publisher = GPUpdate.net}}</ref> A month later he presented [[A1 Grand Prix|A1]] [[A1 Team Germany|Team Germany]] with the World Cup trophy at the [[2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season|A1GP World Cup]] of Motorsport 2007 awards ceremony. He received a standing ovation from the gathered crowd when he was announced on stage.<ref>{{cite web |
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| title =Michael Schumacher honours team Germany’s A1GP success | work =f1.automoto365.com | publisher =A1GP | date =2007-05-01 | url=http://f1.automoto365.com/news/controller.php?lang=en&theme=default&month=5&year=2007&nextMode=GpNewsForm&news_id=25372| accessdate =2007-05-07}}</ref> |
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Schumacher has been hounored during his career. He has won the [[Laureus World Sports Awards|Laureus World Sportsman of the Year]] award twice, in 2002 and 2004 for his performances in the {{F1|2001}} and {{F1|2003}} seasons respectively. He has received nominations for the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 awards.<ref name="laureus-award Michael Schumacher">{{cite web| url = http://www.laureus.com/winners?q=node/821| title = Michael Schumacher| accessdate = 2007-04-18| date = 2006| work =Laureus | publisher = Laureus World Sport Awards Limited}}</ref> No-one has been nominated more times than Schumacher in the award's 7-year history. |
Schumacher has been hounored during his career. He has won the [[Laureus World Sports Awards|Laureus World Sportsman of the Year]] award twice, in 2002 and 2004 for his performances in the {{F1|2001}} and {{F1|2003}} seasons respectively. He has received nominations for the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 awards.<ref name="laureus-award Michael Schumacher">{{cite web| url = http://www.laureus.com/winners?q=node/821| title = Michael Schumacher| accessdate = 2007-04-18| date = 2006| work =Laureus | publisher = Laureus World Sport Awards Limited}}</ref> No-one has been nominated more times than Schumacher in the award's 7-year history. |
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===Helmet=== |
===Helmet=== |
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[[Image:Schuhelmets.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Schumacher's helmet for the {{F1|1999}} and {{F1|2000}} seasons.]] |
[[Image:Schuhelmets.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Schumacher's helmet for the {{F1|1999}} and {{F1|2000}} seasons.]] |
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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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jeccomposites.com/composites-news/682/Even-a-tank.html |title= Even a tank can't halt schu now |accessdate=2006-11-08 |publisher=JEC Composites}}</ref> |
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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jeccomposites.com/composites-news/682/Even-a-tank.html |title= Even a tank can't halt schu now |accessdate=2006-11-08 |publisher=JEC Composites}}</ref> <!-- What does this mean: "The Layers were "baked" into the corners to achieve extra stiffness and extra magnesium."?-->The helmet keeps the driver cool by funneling directed airflow through fifty holes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theprancinghorse.co.uk/news/newsfeatures/1.html |title=Michael Schumacher Helmet Profile |accessdate=2007-02-10 |publisher=theprancinghorse.co.uk}}</ref> |
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Schumacher's helmet sports the colours of the [[flag of Germany|German flag]] and his sponsor's decals. On the top is a blue circle with white [[astroids]]. After Schumacher joined Ferrari, a prancing horse was added on the back. In 2000 in order to differentiate his colours from new teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher changed the upper blue colour and some of the white areas to red.<ref name = "mSchumacher biography">{{cite web | title = Michael Shumacher Biography | url = http://www.mschumacher.com/biography.html | work = mschumacher.com | publisher = Crash.net | accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> |
Schumacher's helmet sports the colours of the [[flag of Germany|German flag]] and his sponsor's decals. On the top is a blue circle with white [[astroids]]. After Schumacher joined Ferrari, a prancing horse was added on the back. In 2000 in order to differentiate his colours from new teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher changed the upper blue colour and some of the white areas to red.<ref name = "mSchumacher biography">{{cite web | title = Michael Shumacher Biography | url = http://www.mschumacher.com/biography.html | work = mschumacher.com | publisher = Crash.net | accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> In his final Grand Prix race, Schumacher wore a special helmet that included the names of his ninety-one Grand Prix victories.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=29768 |title=Michael's winning helmet |date = 2006-10-21 |accessdate=2006-11-07 |publisher=PitPass}}</ref> |
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==Controversies and criticism== |
==Controversies and criticism== |
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[[Image:Schumihill1994.jpg|thumb|200px| Hill (left) and Schumacher (right)crash at the ''Flinders Street'' corner during [[1994 Australian Grand Prix]].]] |
[[Image:Schumihill1994.jpg|thumb|200px| Hill (left) and Schumacher (right)crash at the ''Flinders Street'' corner during [[1994 Australian Grand Prix]].]] |
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Going into the [[1994 Australian Grand Prix]], the final race of the [[1994 Formula One season|1994 season]], Schumacher led [[Damon Hill]] by a single point in the Drivers' Championship. Schumacher led the race from the beginning with Hill closely following him. On lap 35, Schumacher went off track, hitting a wall with his right side wheels.<ref name="autosportcrashes">{{cite news | title = |
Going into the [[1994 Australian Grand Prix]], the final race of the [[1994 Formula One season|1994 season]], Schumacher led [[Damon Hill]] by a single point in the Drivers' Championship. Schumacher led the race from the beginning with Hill closely following him. On lap 35, Schumacher went off track, hitting a wall with his right side wheels.<ref name="autosportcrashes">{{cite news | title = |
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Schumacher 500: Has the King Lost His Crown? | publisher = AutoSport |first = Ville |last = Kopu |coauthors = Nottmeier, Jan | date = |
Schumacher 500: Has the King Lost His Crown? | publisher = AutoSport |first = Ville |last = Kopu |coauthors = Nottmeier, Jan | date = | url = http://atlasf1.autosport.com/98/ger/schum.html | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> It is unknown whether Schumacher's car was damaged. He returned to the track at reduced speed but still leading the race. At the next corner, when Hill attempted a pass on the inside while Schumacher was turning into the corner, Schumacher and Hill collided. Schumacher's car was tipped up onto two wheels and eliminated on the spot. Hill pitted immediately and retired from the race with unrepairable damage. As neither driver scored, Schumacher took the title. British author [[Alan Henry]] has written that Schumacher was blamed by "many F1 insiders" for the incident.<ref>{{cite book | last = Henry | first = Alan | title = Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing | origyear = 1996 | accessdate = 2006-10-29 | edition = | publisher = Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated | location = | id = ISBN 0-7538-0522-7 | pages = 117}}</ref> The race stewards judged it a racing accident and took no action against either driver. |
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[[Image:Schumivilleneuve1997.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Michael Schumacher (red) and [[Jacques Villeneuve]] (blue) in the moment of the collision at the ''Dry Sack'' corner in the [[1997 European Grand Prix]] at [[Circuito Permanente de Jerez|Jerez]].]] |
[[Image:Schumivilleneuve1997.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Michael Schumacher (red) and [[Jacques Villeneuve]] (blue) in the moment of the collision at the ''Dry Sack'' corner in the [[1997 European Grand Prix]] at [[Circuito Permanente de Jerez|Jerez]].]] |
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===Other incidents=== |
===Other incidents=== |
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Two laps from the finish of the [[1998 British Grand Prix]], Michael Schumacher was leading the race when he was issued a stop-and-go penalty for passing another driver under the safety car period. This penalty involves going into the pit lane and stopping for 10 seconds. But as the penalty was given with fewer than 12 laps remaining, and since it was issued as a handwritten note, the Ferrari team was confused as to whether the penalty was a stop and go penalty or merely a penalty of 10 seconds to be added to Schumacher's race time. On the last lap, Schumacher turned into the pit lane, crossed the start finish line and only then stopped in his pit for ten seconds. Although there was initially some doubt about whether this met the requirements of the penalty, Schumacher's win stood.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
Two laps from the finish of the [[1998 British Grand Prix]], Michael Schumacher was leading the race when he was issued a stop-and-go penalty for passing another driver under the safety car period. This penalty involves going into the pit lane and stopping for 10 seconds. But as the penalty was given with fewer than 12 laps remaining, and since it was issued as a handwritten note, the Ferrari team was confused as to whether the penalty was a stop and go penalty or merely a penalty of 10 seconds to be added to Schumacher's race time. On the last lap, Schumacher turned into the pit lane, crossed the start finish line and only then stopped in his pit for ten seconds. Although there was initially some doubt about whether this met the requirements of the penalty, Schumacher's win stood.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
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British Grand Prix Review | publisher = AutoSport | date = |
British Grand Prix Review | publisher = AutoSport | date = | url = http://atlasf1.autosport.com/98/bri/burley.html | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Austrian GP.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Rubens Barrichello]] makes way for Schumacher at the end of the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]].]] |
[[Image:Austrian GP.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Rubens Barrichello]] makes way for Schumacher at the end of the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]].]] |
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Historically, [[team orders]] had always been permitted in Formula One. During Schumacher's tenure at Ferrari, the team often employed team orders to benefit one of their drivers over the other. Usually Schumacher, as team leader, benefited. The notable exception came in the 1999 season in which he played a supporting role for [[Eddie Irvine]] after missing part of the season with a broken leg. |
Historically, [[team orders]] had always been permitted in Formula One. During Schumacher's tenure at Ferrari, the team often employed team orders to benefit one of their drivers over the other. Usually Schumacher, as team leader, benefited. The notable exception came in the 1999 season in which he played a supporting role for [[Eddie Irvine]] after missing part of the season with a broken leg. However, at the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]], Schumacher's teammate, Rubens Barrichello, took pole and led the race from the start. In the final metres of the race, the Brazilian driver, under orders from Ferrari, slowed his car to make way for Schumacher to pass and win the race.<ref name="bbcaustria">{{cite news | title = |
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Schumacher steals Austrian win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2002-05-12 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1982612.stm | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> This angered fans who were watching the race. At the podium ceremony, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step,<ref name="bbcaustria"/> and for this disturbance, the Ferrari team incurred a [[US$]]1 million fine.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
Schumacher steals Austrian win | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 2002-05-12 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1982612.stm | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> This angered fans who were watching the race. At the podium ceremony, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step,<ref name="bbcaustria"/> and for this disturbance, the Ferrari team incurred a [[US$]]1 million fine.<ref>{{cite news | title = |
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Record fine for Turks | publisher = Reuters | date = |
Record fine for Turks | publisher = Reuters | date = | url = http://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula1/sport_sto967344.shtml | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> Later in the season at the end of the [[2002 United States Grand Prix]], Schumacher let Barrichello pass in a similar fashion, causing a similar outcry. The FIA subsequently banned "Team orders which interfere with the race result".<ref>{{cite news | title = Formula One closes door on team orders | publisher = USA Today | date = 2002-10-28 | url = http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/formula1/2002-10-28-changes_x.htm |first = Stephen |last = Wade | accessdate = 2006-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title = F1 Commission declaration | publisher = FIA | date = 2002-10-28 | url = http://www.fia.com/gate?action=retrievePage&locale=en_GB&PageID=331368089&printer=on | accessdate = 2006-10-30}}</ref> |
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Although Schumacher took the pole position during the qualifying for the [[2006 Monaco Grand Prix]], there was controversy near the end of the session. Schumacher stopped his car in the Rascasse corner, partially blocking the circuit, while his main contender for the season title, Fernando Alonso, was on his 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.<ref name="monacopole">{{cite news | title = |
Although Schumacher took the pole position during the qualifying for the [[2006 Monaco Grand Prix]], there was controversy near the end of the session. Schumacher stopped his car in the Rascasse corner, partially blocking the circuit, while his main contender for the season title, Fernando Alonso, was on his 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.<ref name="monacopole">{{cite news | title = |
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[[Image:Schumifootball.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Schumacher playing a [[football (soccer)|football]] charity match organized by [[Luís Figo]] in [[Porto]], [[Portugal]].]] |
[[Image:Schumifootball.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Schumacher playing a [[football (soccer)|football]] charity match organized by [[Luís Figo]] in [[Porto]], [[Portugal]].]] |
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Schumacher's younger brother [[Ralf Schumacher|Ralf]] is a current Formula One driver.<ref name="schumacher hof" /><ref name = "mSchumacher biography" /> |
Schumacher's younger brother [[Ralf Schumacher|Ralf]] is a current Formula One driver.<ref name="schumacher hof" /><ref name = "mSchumacher biography" /> |
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In August [[1995]], he married Corinna Betsch. They have two children, Gina-Maria (born in 1997) and Mick (born in 1999). He has always been very protective of his private life<ref>{{cite news | title = Who is the real Schumacher? |
In August [[1995]], he married Corinna Betsch. They have two children, Gina-Maria (born in 1997) and Mick (born in 1999). He has always been very protective of his private life<ref>{{cite news | title = Who is the real Schumacher? | publisher = BBC Sport|first = Sarah |last = Holt |date = 2006-10-22 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6047606.stm | accessdate =2006-10-22}}</ref> and is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, preferring a simple life. The family, currently lives in [[Gland, Switzerland|Gland]], [[Switzerland]] near [[Lake Geneva]], will move in 2007 to a new $50M, 7000 ft² (650 m²) home with its own underground garage and petrol station and with a private beach on Lake Geneva.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007160331,00.html | title = Schu lives in a house like this | publisher = The Sun Online | date = 2007-04-10 | accessdate = 2007-04-10}}</ref> |
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In 2005 ''[[Eurobusiness]]'' magazine identified Schumacher as the world's first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around [[US$]]80 million.<ref name="schumacher pay">{{cite news |first = Angus |last = Reid |title = Sports: How Big Is Too Big? |url=http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2006/07/11/TrendWatch/ |work = Mediacheck |publisher = thetyee.ca |date = 2006-07-11 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}} Forbes magazine has not yet included him on its [http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/Rank_1.html billionaires list]. More recently other sources have estimated his net worth in 2006 somewhat lower, www.f1i.com reports that it 'surpassed $800M'. {{cite news |title = Retired Schu to earn $ |
In 2005 ''[[Eurobusiness]]'' magazine identified Schumacher as the world's first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around [[US$]]80 million.<ref name="schumacher pay">{{cite news |first = Angus |last = Reid |title = Sports: How Big Is Too Big? |url=http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2006/07/11/TrendWatch/ |work = Mediacheck |publisher = thetyee.ca |date = 2006-07-11 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}} Forbes magazine has not yet included him on its [http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/Rank_1.html billionaires list]. More recently other sources have estimated his net worth in 2006 somewhat lower, www.f1i.com reports that it 'surpassed $800M'. {{cite news |title = Retired Schu to earn $26 m in 2007 - report |url = http://www.f1i.com/content/view/5215/32/ |publisher = www.f1i.com |date = 18 September 2006 |accessdate = 2007-01-23}})</ref> [[Forbes|Forbes magazine]] ranked him 17th in their "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities" list.<ref name="forbes celeb 100 2005">{{cite web| url = http://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/53/Rank_1.html | title = The Celebrity 100| accessdate = 2006-10-25| date = 2005| work = | publisher = Forbes.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news | title = MOT: Schumacher slaps $11.9 m price on his head | publisher = AAP Sports News | date = 1999-11-11 | url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-24009938.html | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> The deal was extended until 2010.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumacher's sponsor extends contract | publisher = F1Racing.net | date = 2005-08-31 | url = http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=96638 | accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> He donated $10 million for aid after the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]].<ref name="cnn-tsunami relief">{{cite news |title = Schumacher donates $10 m relief aid |url = http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SPORT/01/04/tsunami.relief/index.html |publisher = CNN.com |
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|date = 2005-01-04 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> His donation surpassed that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.<ref name="si-sportsman of the year">{{cite web| url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/magazine/specials/sportsman/2005/11/11/michael.schumacher/index.html | title = My Sportsman: Michael Schumacher| accessdate = 2006-10-25| last = McAllister| first = Mike| date = 2005-11-11| work = 2005 Sportsman of the Year| publisher = SI.com}}</ref> |
|date = 2005-01-04 |accessdate = 2006-10-24}}</ref> His donation surpassed that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.<ref name="si-sportsman of the year">{{cite web| url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/magazine/specials/sportsman/2005/11/11/michael.schumacher/index.html | title = My Sportsman: Michael Schumacher| accessdate = 2006-10-25| last = McAllister| first = Mike| date = 2005-11-11| work = 2005 Sportsman of the Year| publisher = SI.com}}</ref> |
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Schumacher plays [[football (soccer)|football]] for his local team FC Echichens.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumi urged to lace up his boots | publisher = Wheels24 | date = 2006-10-25 | url = http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/NewsPics/0,,1369-1375_2020222,00.html | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> He has appeared in several football charity games<ref name="fifa-charity football">{{cite news |title = FIFA Fair Play: Playing for a better world |url = http://www.fifa.com/en/fairplay/index/0,1255,104749,00.html?articleid=104749 |publisher = FIFA.com |date = 2004-12-16 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> and organised games between the Formula One drivers.<ref name="schumacher retirement response thoughts">{{cite news |
Schumacher plays [[football (soccer)|football]] for his local team FC Echichens.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schumi urged to lace up his boots | publisher = Wheels24 | date = 2006-10-25 | url = http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/NewsPics/0,,1369-1375_2020222,00.html | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> He has appeared in several football charity games<ref name="fifa-charity football">{{cite news |title = FIFA Fair Play: Playing for a better world |url = http://www.fifa.com/en/fairplay/index/0,1255,104749,00.html?articleid=104749 |publisher = FIFA.com |date = 2004-12-16 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> and organised games between the Formula One drivers.<ref name="schumacher retirement response thoughts">{{cite news |title = Thoughts on Schumacher |url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5330382.stm |work = |publisher = BBC Sport |date = 2006-9-10 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> |
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Schumacher is a special ambassador to [[UNESCO]] and has donated 1.5 million [[Euro]]s to the organization.<ref name="unesco-champion for sport">{{cite web| url = http://portal.unesco.org/es/ev.php-URL_ID=6691&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html| title = Michael Schumacher, a UNESCO champion| accessdate = 2006-10-25| date = 2002| work = | publisher = UNESCO}}</ref> 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.<ref name="donated50mil"/> |
Schumacher is a special ambassador to [[UNESCO]] and has donated 1.5 million [[Euro]]s to the organization.<ref name="unesco-champion for sport">{{cite web| url = http://portal.unesco.org/es/ev.php-URL_ID=6691&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html| title = Michael Schumacher, a UNESCO champion| accessdate = 2006-10-25| date = 2002| work = | publisher = UNESCO}}</ref> 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.<ref name="donated50mil"/> |
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Schumacher provided the voice of a Rosso Corsa [[Ferrari F430]] in [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]]-[[Pixar Animation Studios|Pixar's]] animated feature film ''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]''.<ref name="schumacher movie role-cars">{{cite news |title = CARS Movie Premiere: Tonight - SOLD OUT! |
Schumacher provided the voice of a Rosso Corsa [[Ferrari F430]] in [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]]-[[Pixar Animation Studios|Pixar's]] animated feature film ''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]''.<ref name="schumacher movie role-cars">{{cite news |title = CARS Movie Premiere: Tonight - SOLD OUT! |
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|url = http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/news_photos/news/505836.html |work = |
|url = http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/news_photos/news/505836.html |work = |publisher = The Official Web Site of Lowe's Motor Speedway |date = 2006-05-26 |
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|accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> In early March 2006, it was reported that Schumacher will play a small role in the movie ''[[Asterix at the Olympic Games]]''.<ref name="schumacher movie role">{{cite news |
|accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> In early March 2006, it was reported that Schumacher will play a small role in the movie ''[[Asterix at the Olympic Games]]''.<ref name="schumacher movie role">{{cite news |title = Sport stars for Asterix film |url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/film/sport-stars-for-asterix-film/2006/03/08/1141701559696.html |work = The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher = FairfaxDigital |
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|date = 2006-03-08 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> |
|date = 2006-03-08 |accessdate = 2006-10-25}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| {{F1|1991}} |
| {{F1|1991}} |
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! [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]]*<br/>[[Benetton Formula|Benetton]] |
! [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]]*<br />[[Benetton Formula|Benetton]] |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 United States Grand Prix|USA]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]<br /><small>-</small> |
||
|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]<br /><small>-</small> |
||
|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 Mexican Grand Prix|MEX]]<br /><small>-</small> |
||
|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 French Grand Prix|FRA]]<br /><small>-</small> |
||
|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 British Grand Prix|GBR]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 German Grand Prix|GER]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|style="color: white;"| |
|style="color: white;"| [[1991 Hungarian Grand Prix|HUN]]<br /><small>-</small> |
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|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]<br /><small>Ret</small> |
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]<br /><small>Ret</small> |
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|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| [[1991 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]<br /><small>5</small> |
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| [[1991 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]<br /><small>5</small> |
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|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''[[1994 Hungarian Grand Prix|HUN]]'''<br /><small>1</small> |
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''[[1994 Hungarian Grand Prix|HUN]]'''<br /><small>1</small> |
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|bgcolor="#000000" style="color: #ffffff"| [[1994 Belgian Grand Prix|<font color=white>BEL</font>]]<br /><small>DSQ</small> |
|bgcolor="#000000" style="color: #ffffff"| [[1994 Belgian Grand Prix|<font color=white>BEL</font>]]<br /><small>DSQ</small> |
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|| [[1994 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]<br /><small>EX</small> |
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|| [[1994 Portuguese Grand Prix|POR]]<br /><small>EX</small> |
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|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''[[1994 European Grand Prix|EUR]]'''<br /><small>1</small> |
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''[[1994 European Grand Prix|EUR]]'''<br /><small>1</small> |
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|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''[[1994 Japanese Grand Prix|JPN]]'''<br /><small>2</small> |
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''[[1994 Japanese Grand Prix|JPN]]'''<br /><small>2</small> |
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'''*''' Schumacher only raced for Jordan at the [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix]].<br> |
'''*''' Schumacher only raced for Jordan at the [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix]].<br /> |
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'''**''' Schumacher was disqualified from the 1997 WDC due to dangerous driving in the [[1997 European Grand Prix|European Grand Prix]], where he caused an avoidable accident with Villeneuve. |
'''**''' Schumacher was disqualified from the 1997 WDC due to dangerous driving in the [[1997 European Grand Prix|European Grand Prix]], where he caused an avoidable accident with Villeneuve. His points tally would have placed him in second place in that year's standings.<ref name="fia97verdict" /> |
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==Formula One records== |
==Formula One records== |
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*{{cite book | last = Allen | first = James | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : Driven to Extremes | publisher = Bantam Books | date = 1999 | id = ISBN 0-553-81214-9}} |
*{{cite book | last = Allen | first = James | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : Driven to Extremes | publisher = Bantam Books | date = 1999 | id = ISBN 0-553-81214-9}} |
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*{{cite book | last = Collings | first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = The Piranha Club | publisher = Virgin Books| date = 2004 | id = ISBN 0-7535-0965-2}} |
*{{cite book | last = Collings | first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = The Piranha Club | publisher = Virgin Books| date = 2004 | id = ISBN 0-7535-0965-2}} |
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*{{cite book | last = Collings| first = Timothy | coauthors = |
*{{cite book | last = Collings| first = Timothy | coauthors = | title = Team Schumacher | publisher = Highdown | date = 2005 | id = ISBN 1-905156-03-0}} |
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*{{cite book | last = Domenjoz | first = Luc | title = Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius | date = 2002 | accessdate = | edition = | publisher = Parragon |
*{{cite book | last = Domenjoz | first = Luc | title = Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius | date = 2002 | accessdate = | edition = | publisher = Parragon | location = | id = ISBN 0-75259-228-9 }} |
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*{{cite book |
*{{cite book | last =Henry | first =Alan (ed.) | title =Autocourse 1992 - 93 | publisher =Hazleton Publishing | date =1992 | isbn =0-905138-96-1 }} |
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*{{cite book | last = Henry | first = Alan | title = Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing | date = 1996 | edition = | publisher = Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated |
*{{cite book | last = Henry | first = Alan | title = Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing | date = 1996 | edition = | publisher = Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated | location = | id = ISBN 0-7538-0522-7 }} |
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*{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all | publisher = Haynes | date = 2003 |id = ISBN 1-84425-044-X}} |
*{{cite book | last = Hilton | first = Christopher | coauthors = | title = Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all | publisher = Haynes | date = 2003 |id = ISBN 1-84425-044-X}} |
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* Hilton, Christopher (2006) ''Michael Schumacher : The Whole Story,'' Haynes Group ISBN 1-844250-08-3 |
* Hilton, Christopher (2006) ''Michael Schumacher : The Whole Story,'' Haynes Group ISBN 1-844250-08-3 |
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*{{cite book |
*{{cite book | last =Kehm | first =Sabine | title =''Michael Schumacher. Driving Force'' | publisher =Random House | date =2003 | isbn =0-091894-352 }} |
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*{{cite book | last = Williams | first = Richard| coauthors = | title = The Death of Ayrton Senna | publisher = Bloomsbury| date = 1999 | id = ISBN 0747544956}} |
*{{cite book | last = Williams | first = Richard| coauthors = | title = The Death of Ayrton Senna | publisher = Bloomsbury| date = 1999 | id = ISBN 0747544956}} |
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| before = [[Tiger Woods]] |
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| after = [[Lance Armstrong]] |
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| title = [[Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year|Laureus World Sportsman of the Year]] |
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| years = 2002 |
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|}} |
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{{succession box|before=[[Juan Pablo Montoya]]|title=[[Lorenzo Bandini]] Trophy|years=2003|after=[[Kimi Räikkönen]]}} |
{{succession box|before=[[Juan Pablo Montoya]]|title=[[Lorenzo Bandini]] Trophy|years=2003|after=[[Kimi Räikkönen]]}} |
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{{succession box | |
{{succession box | |
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| before = [[Lance Armstrong]] |
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| after = [[Roger Federer]] |
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| title = Laureus World Sportsman of the Year |
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| years = 2004 |
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|}} |
|}} |
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{{s-record}} |
{{s-record}} |
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{{succession box| before = [[Alain Prost]]<br>(51) | title = [[List of Formula One records#Total Wins|Most Grand Prix Wins]]<br>(91) | after = [[Incumbent]] | years = 2001-Present}} |
{{succession box| before = [[Alain Prost]]<br />(51) | title = [[List of Formula One records#Total Wins|Most Grand Prix Wins]]<br />(91) | after = [[Incumbent]] | years = 2001-Present}} |
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Revision as of 20:28, 15 May 2007
![]() | |
Formula One World Championship career | |
---|---|
Nationality | ![]() |
Active years | 1991–2006 |
Teams | Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari |
Entries | 250 |
Championships | 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) |
Wins | 91 |
Podiums | 154 |
Career points | 1,369 |
Pole positions | 68 |
Fastest laps | 76 |
First entry | 1991 Belgian Grand Prix |
First win | 1992 Belgian Grand Prix |
Last win | 2006 Chinese Grand Prix |
Last entry | 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix |
Michael Schumacher (pronounced /[[:Media:De-Michael-Schumacher.ogg|mɪçaeːl ʃumaxɐ]] /, born January 3, 1969, in Hürth Hermülheim, Germany)[1] is a former Formula One driver, and seven-time world champion. According to the official Formula One website, he is "statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen".[2] He is the first German to win the Formula One World championship[3] and is credited with popularising Formula One in Germany.[4] In a 2006 FIA survey, Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular driver among Formula One fans.[5]
After winning two championships with Benetton, Schumacher moved to the Ferrari in 1996 and won five consecutive drivers' titles with them. Schumacher currently holds nearly every record in Formula One, including most drivers' championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season. His driving sometimes created controversy. He has twice been involved in collisions that determined the outcome of the world championship, most notably his disqualification from the 1997 championship for causing a collision with Jacques Villeneuve.[6]
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.[7] He is the older brother of current Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher.
On September 10 2006, Schumacher announced his retirement as a driver.[8] Schumacher currently assists Scuderia Ferrari CEO Jean Todt for the 2007 Formula One Season.
Early years
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Reynard_F_903-001_1990_Michael_Schumacher_Formula_3_EMS.jpg/220px-Reynard_F_903-001_1990_Michael_Schumacher_Formula_3_EMS.jpg)
Schumacher was born January 3, 1969, in Hürth Hermülheim, to Rolf, a bricklayer, and Elisabeth. When Schumacher was four, his father modified the young boy's pedal kart by adding a small motorcycle engine. After the young Schumacher crashed it into a lamp post in Kerpen, his parents took him to the local karting track at Kerpen-Horrem where he became the youngest member of the karting club. His father soon built him a proper 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 at the circuit, while his wife worked at the track's cafeteria. Despite the extra income, when Schumacher needed a new engine costing DM800 his parents were unable to afford it, but their son was able to continue racing through support offered by several local businessmen.[9]
In order to obtain a kart license in Germany the regulations required the driver to be at least 14 years old. Therefore in 1981, to get around this, Schumacher obtained a license in Luxembourg instead.[10] In 1983 he obtained his German license and the year after he won the German Junior Kart Championship. From 1984, Schumacher won numerous German and European kart championships. He joined Eurokart dealer Adolf Neubert in 1985. By 1987 he was the German and European kart champion, at which point he withdrew from school and began working as a mechanic. In 1988 Schumacher made his first step into single-seat car racing by racing in the German Formula Ford and Formula König series, the second of which he won.[11]
In 1989 Michael signed with Willi Weber's WTS Formula 3 team. For the next two years, funded by Weber, he competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. Towards 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 an unusual move for a young driver: most of Schumacher's contemporaries would instead compete in Formula 3000 on their way to Formula One. However, Weber advised Schumacher that exposure to professional press conferences and driving powerful cars in long distance races would help his career.[10] He gained victory at the season finale at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in a Sauber-Mercedes C11 and finishing fifth in the drivers' championship. He continued with the team in the 1991 season, winning again at the final race of the season at Autopolis in Japan with a Sauber-Mercedes-Benz C291, leading to a ninth place finish in the drivers championship. In 1991 he competed in one race in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship, finishing second.[11]
Formula One career
Overview
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.[12] Some of Schumacher's best performances occurred in such conditions, earning him the title "Regenkönig" (rain king) or "Regenmeister" (rain master).[13] He is known as "the Red Baron", due to 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",[14] "Schuey"[15] and "Schu".[16]
Schumacher is often credited with popularising Formula One in Germany, where it was formerly considered a fringe sport.[4] 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, feel Schumacher was key in their becoming Formula One drivers.[17]
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.
Debut
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Jordan_191_rain.png/220px-Jordan_191_rain.png)
Schumacher made his Formula One debut with the Jordan-Ford team at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix 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.[18] 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 though Schumacher had only seen the challenging Spa track as a spectator, he knew it well. During the race weekend, teammate 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.[19] He impressed the paddock by qualifying seventh in this race, his first competition in a Formula One car. 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'."[20] Schumacher retired on the first lap of the race with clutch problems.[21]
Benetton years
After his debut, and despite Jordan's signed agreement in principle with Schumacher's Mercedes management for the remainder of the season, Schumacher was signed 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 contract.[22] Schumacher finished the 1991 season with four points in six races. His best finish was fifth in his second race, the Italian Grand Prix, in which he outpaced his teammate and three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet.
At the start of the 1992 Formula One season the Sauber team, planning their Formula One debut with Mercedes backing for the following year, invoked a clause in Schumacher's contract which stated that if Mercedes entered Formula One, Schumacher would drive for them. It was eventually agreed that Schumacher would stay with Benetton, Peter Sauber commenting "Michael didn't want to drive for us. Why would I have forced him?".[23] 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.[24] In the 'conventional' Benetton B192 Schumacher took his place on the podium at the end of the race for the first time, after finishing third in the 1992 Mexican Grand Prix. He went on to take his first victory at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, in a wet race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which by 2003 he would call "far and away my favourite track".[25] He finished third in the Drivers' Championship in 1992 with 53 points, three points behind runner-up Patrese.
The 1993 championship was again dominated by the Williams-Renaults of Damon Hill and Alain Prost. Benetton introduced their own active suspension and traction control early in the season, last of the frontrunning teams to do so.[26] Schumacher won one race, the Portuguese Grand Prix, but retired in seven of the other 15 races. He finished the season in fourth, with 52 points.
1994–1995: World Championship years
In 1994, Schumacher won his first Drivers' Championship. The season, however, was a controversial one, marred by the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola and allegations of cheating.
Schumacher started the season strongly, winning six of the first seven races. 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.[27] 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 fiasco on a communication error between the stewards and the team.[28] 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.[29] Benetton protested that the skidblock had been damaged when Schumacher spun over a kerb, but the FIA rejected their appeal.[30] These incidents helped Damon Hill close the points gap. With Schumacher leading by a single point going into the final race in Australia, Schumacher collided with Hill and crashed out of the race. Furthermore, the damage to Hill's car from the collision forced him to retire. Schumacher thus became the first German to win the Formula One World Championship.[3]
In 1995 he successfully defended his title with Benetton. He accumulated 33 more points than second-placed Damon Hill. With teammate Johnny Herbert, he took Benetton to its first Constructors' Championship and became the youngest two-time world champion in Formula One history. In one of the early races of the season Herbert set a faster lap time than Schumacher in qualifying. After that Herbert said he was prohibited from seeing Schumacher's telemetry.[31]
Schumacher won nine of the 17 races, and finished on the podium 11 times. Only once did he qualify worse than fourth; at the 1995 Belgian Grand Prix, he qualified 16th, but went on to win the race.[32] After Schumacher left Benetton, the team would win only one more race before being bought by Renault in 2000.
Ferrari years
For 1996, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team which had last won the Drivers' Championship with Jody Scheckter in 1979. By 1996, Ferrari was considered to have inferior technology and crews compared to front-running teams such as Benetton and Williams. Since that last championship win, various Ferrari drivers, notably Alain Prost, had given the vehicles labels such as "truck", "pig", and "accident waiting to happen".[33] The poor performance of the Ferrari pit crews was considered a running joke.[4]
Schumacher, along with Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne and Jean Todt, has been credited as turning this once struggling team into the most successful team in Formula One history.[34] Three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart believes the transformation of the Ferrari team was Schumacher's greatest feat.[35]
1996–1999
In 1996 Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship. He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995. However, the team had reliability trouble: Schumacher did not finish 6 of the 16 races. In the French Grand Prix Schumacher qualified in pole position, but suffered engine failure on the race's formation lap.[36]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Schumacher_and_Coulthard_in_the_1998_British_Grand_Prix.jpg/250px-Schumacher_and_Coulthard_in_the_1998_British_Grand_Prix.jpg)
Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve vied for the title in 1997. In the first part of the season, Villeneuve held the advantage, driving the superior FW19.[37] However, by mid-season, Schumacher led the Championship, winning five races, and entered the season's final Grand Prix with a one-point advantage. During the race, held at Jerez, Schumacher and Villeneuve collided as Villeneuve attempted to overtake. Schumacher retired from the race and Villeneuve scored four points to take the championship. Schumacher was held to be at fault for the collision and was disqualified from the Drivers' Championship.[38]
In 1998, Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen became one of Schumacher's serious contenders. Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16 point advantage over Schumacher. But by the 14th of 16 races, Schumacher equaled the Finn with 80 points, having won six times. Häkkinen won the Drivers' Championship by winning the final two races.
Schumacher's efforts helped Ferrari win the Constructors title in 1999. His chances for the Drivers' Championship were made remote, however, 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.[39] During his long 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 the 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.[40]
2000–2004: World Championship years
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, when asked about his feelings on equaling the number of wins (41) won by his idol, Ayrton Senna, Schumacher broke into tears.[41] The championship fight would come down to the last but one race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, Schumacher had the early lead, but soon lost it to Häkkinen. 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 of brothers; and the Belgian Grand Prix in which Schumacher scored his 52nd career win, breaking Alain Prost's record for most career wins.[42]
In 2002, a dominant year, Schumacher used the Ferrari F2002, which was widely considered to be far more advanced than the rest of the cars in Formula One to retain his Drivers' Championship. In winning the Drivers' Championship he equaled 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. Schumacher broke Nigel Mansell's and his own record of nine race wins in a season, scoring eleven and finishing every race on the podium. He finished with 144 points, 60 ahead of runner-up teammate Rubens Barrichello. This tandem finished 9 of the 17 races in the first two places.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Michael_Schumacher_Ferrari_2004.jpg/250px-Michael_Schumacher_Ferrari_2004.jpg)
Schumacher broke Juan Manuel Fangio's record for championship wins 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. In the first race, Schumacher ran off track, and in the following two, was involved in collisions.[43][44][45] He fell 16 points behind Kimi Räikkönen. Schumacher won the San Marino Grand Prix[46] and the next two races, and closed within two points of Räikkönen. Aside from Schumacher's victory in Canada,[47] and Barrichello's victory in Britain,[48] the mid-season was dominated by Williams drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, who each claimed two victories. After the Hungarian Grand Prix,[49] Michael Schumacher led Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen by only one and two points, respectively. Ahead of the next race, the FIA declared illegal the front tyre design used by Michelin, supplier to Williams and McLaren among others.[50] Michelin had to rapidly redesign their tyres before the Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher, running on Bridgestone tyres, won the next two races. After Montoya was penalized 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
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Lap4_Canada2005_McLaren_and_Ferrari.jpg/250px-Lap4_Canada2005_McLaren_and_Ferrari.jpg)
In 2005 Schumacher's sole win came at the United States Grand Prix. Prior to that race, the Michelin tyres, used by most teams, 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 first lap. However, rule changes for the 2005 and 2006 seasons required tyres to last an entire race,[51] 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.[4] 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."[52] The most notable moment of the season for Schumacher was his battle with Fernando Alonso in San Marino, where he qualified 14th and finished only 0.2 seconds behind the Spanish driver.[53] Schumacher retired in six of the 19 races. He finished the season in third with 62 points, less than half the points of world champion Alonso.
2006 became the last season of Schumacher's racing career. After three races, Schumacher had 11 points and was already 17 points behind Alonso. He won the following two races, his first wins in 18 months, not including the boycotted 2005 United States Grand Prix. By the Canadian Grand Prix, the ninth race of the season, he was 25 points behind Alonso, and the three wins that followed helped him reduce his disadvantage to 11. After his victories in Italy and China, in both of which Alonso was plagued by mechanical failures, 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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Michael_Schumacher_2006_Brazil_last_overtaking_cropped.jpg/220px-Michael_Schumacher_2006_Brazil_last_overtaking_cropped.jpg)
The Japanese Grand Prix was led by Schumacher with only 16 laps to go, when for the first time since 2000 in Magnycours, France, Schumacher suffered engine failure. Alonso won the race and now led the championship standings by 10 points. With only one race left in the season, Schumacher could only win the championship if in that race he won and if Alonso did not manage to score a single point.
Before the Brazilian Grand Prix, the last race of his career, Schumacher conceded the title to Alonso.[54] In pre-race ceremonies, football legend Pelé presented an award to Schumacher for his years of dedication to Formula One. During the race's qualifying session, Schumacher had the best time of all drivers through the first two sessions; 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 pushed forward to the sixth position. However, in overtaking Alonso's teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella, Schumacher experienced a tyre puncture caused by the front wing of Fisichella's car.[55] 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 4th place. His performance was classified in the press as "heroic",[56] an "utterly breath-taking drive",[57] and a "performance that ... sums up his career".[58]
Retirement
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.[59] Schumacher confirmed his retirement in the post-race press conference.[8] 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.[60] 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.[61] 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.[62]
Honours
In recognition of his contribution to Formula One racing the Nurburgring will rename one of its corners after Schumacher.[63] In a similar act of honoring Schumacher, he was awarded an FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport in 2006.[64]
The following year the Swiss Football Association appointed Schumacher as the Swiss ambassador for the 2008 European football championship.[65] A month later he presented A1 Team Germany with the World Cup trophy at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport 2007 awards ceremony. He received a standing ovation from the gathered crowd when he was announced on stage.[66]
Schumacher has been hounored during his career. He has 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 has received nominations for the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 awards.[67] No-one has been nominated more times than Schumacher in the award's 7-year history.
Helmet
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.[68] The helmet keeps the driver cool by funneling directed airflow through fifty holes.[69]
Schumacher's helmet sports the colours of the German flag and his sponsor's decals. On the top is a blue circle with white astroids. After Schumacher joined Ferrari, a prancing horse was added on the back. In 2000 in order to differentiate his colours from new teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher changed the upper blue colour and some of the white areas to red.[70] In his final Grand Prix race, Schumacher wore a special helmet that included the names of his ninety-one Grand Prix victories.[71]
Controversies and criticism
During his long career Schumacher has been involved in several incidents which caused considerable controversy. Schumacher has been vilified in the British media for his involvement in title-deciding collisions in 1994 and 1997.[72] German and Italian newspapers have widely condemned his actions in 1997.[73]
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 with Hill closely following him. On lap 35, Schumacher went off track, hitting a wall with his right side wheels.[74] It is unknown whether Schumacher's car was damaged. He returned to the track at reduced speed but still leading the race. At the next corner, when Hill attempted a pass on the inside while Schumacher was turning into the corner, Schumacher and Hill collided. Schumacher's car was tipped up onto two wheels and eliminated on the spot. Hill pitted immediately and retired from the race with unrepairable damage. As neither driver scored, Schumacher took the title. British author Alan Henry has written that Schumacher was blamed by "many F1 insiders" for the incident.[75] The race stewards judged it a racing accident and took no action against either driver.
At the 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez, the last race of the season, Schumacher led Jacques Villeneuve by one point in the Drivers' Championship. Although Schumacher and Villeneuve had set the same time during qualifying, the Canadian driver started the race in pole position due to his being the first to set the time. By the first corner of the race, Schumacher was ahead of Villeneuve. On lap 48, Villeneuve passed Schumacher at the Dry Sac Corner. As he did so, Schumacher turned into the Williams, the right-front wheel of Schumacher's Ferrari hitting the left sidepod of Villeneuve's car. Schumacher retired from the race immediately while Villeneuve was able to finish the race in the third place, taking four points and so becoming the World Champion.[74]
Two weeks after the race, Schumacher was excluded from the results for the season after a FIA disciplinary hearing disqualified him, finding that his "manoeuvre was an instinctive reaction and although deliberate not made with malice or premeditation. It was a serious error."[38] This made him the only driver in the history of the sport to be disqualified from a World Championship. Schumacher accepted the decision[76] and admitted having made a mistake.[73]
Other incidents
Two laps from the finish of the 1998 British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher was leading the race when he was issued a stop-and-go penalty for passing another driver under the safety car period. This penalty involves going into the pit lane and stopping for 10 seconds. But as the penalty was given with fewer than 12 laps remaining, and since it was issued as a handwritten note, the Ferrari team was confused as to whether the penalty was a stop and go penalty or merely a penalty of 10 seconds to be added to Schumacher's race time. On the last lap, Schumacher turned into the pit lane, crossed the start finish line and only then stopped in his pit for ten seconds. Although there was initially some doubt about whether this met the requirements of the penalty, Schumacher's win stood.[77]
Historically, team orders had always been permitted in Formula One. During Schumacher's tenure at Ferrari, the team often employed team orders to benefit one of their drivers over the other. Usually Schumacher, as team leader, benefited. The notable exception came in the 1999 season in which he played a supporting role for Eddie Irvine after missing part of the season with a broken leg. However, at the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, Schumacher's teammate, Rubens Barrichello, took pole and led the race from the start. In the final metres of the race, the Brazilian driver, under orders from Ferrari, slowed his car to make way for Schumacher to pass and win the race.[78] This angered fans who were watching the race. At the podium ceremony, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step,[78] and for this disturbance, the Ferrari team incurred a US$1 million fine.[79] Later in the season at the end of the 2002 United States Grand Prix, Schumacher let Barrichello pass in a similar fashion, causing a similar outcry. The FIA subsequently banned "Team orders which interfere with the race result".[80][81]
Although Schumacher took the pole position during the qualifying for the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix, there was controversy near the end of the session. Schumacher stopped his car in the Rascasse corner, partially blocking the circuit, while his main contender for the season title, Fernando Alonso, was on his 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.[82] Alonso believed he would have been on pole if the incident had not happened.[83] Schumacher was later stripped of pole position by the race stewards and started the race at the back of the grid.[82]
Family and off-track life
Schumacher's younger brother Ralf is a current Formula One driver.[1][70] In August 1995, he married Corinna Betsch. They have two children, Gina-Maria (born in 1997) and Mick (born in 1999). He has always been very protective of his private life[84] and is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, preferring a simple life. The family, currently lives in Gland, Switzerland near Lake Geneva, will move in 2007 to a new $50M, 7000 ft² (650 m²) home with its own underground garage and petrol station and with a private beach on Lake Geneva.[85]
In 2005 Eurobusiness magazine identified Schumacher as the world's first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around US$80 million.[86] Forbes magazine ranked him 17th in their "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities" list.[87] 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.[88] The deal was extended until 2010.[89] He donated $10 million for aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.[90] His donation surpassed that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.[91]
Schumacher plays football for his local team FC Echichens.[92] He has appeared in several football charity games[93] and organised games between the Formula One drivers.[94]
Schumacher is a special ambassador to UNESCO and has donated 1.5 million Euros to the organization.[95] 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.[7]
Since his participation in a FIA European road safety campaign, as part of his punishment after the collision at the 1997 European Grand Prix, Schumacher has 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.
Schumacher provided the voice of a Rosso Corsa Ferrari F430 in Disney-Pixar's animated feature film Cars.[96] In early March 2006, it was reported that Schumacher will play a small role in the movie Asterix at the Olympic Games.[97]
Complete Formula One results
(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)
* Schumacher only raced for Jordan at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.
** Schumacher was disqualified from the 1997 WDC due to dangerous driving in the European Grand Prix, where he caused an avoidable accident with Villeneuve. His points tally would have placed him in second place in that year's standings.[38]
Formula One records
As of the end of the 2006 Formula One Season, Michael Schumacher holds the following F1 records:
Record | Number | |
---|---|---|
Titles | ||
1 | Championship titles | 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) |
2 | Consecutive titles | 5 (2000–2004) |
3 | Race victories | 91 |
4 | Consecutive wins* | 7 (2004, Europe–Hungary) |
5 | Wins with one team | 72 (Ferrari) |
6 | Wins at same GP | 8 (France) |
7 | Wins at different GPs | 22 |
8 | Longest Time between first and last wins | 14 years, 1 month and 2 days |
9 | Second places | 43 |
10 | Podiums (Top 3) | 154 |
11 | Consecutive podium finishes | 19 (US 2001–Japan 2002) |
12 | Points finishes | 190 |
13 | Laps leading | 4741 (22,155 km)[98] |
14 | Pole positions | 68 |
15 | Front row starts | 115 |
16 | Fastest laps | 76 |
17 | Doubles (Pole and win) | 40 |
18 | Perfect Score (Pole, fastest lap and win) | 22 |
19 | Championship points | 1,369 |
20 | Consecutive race finishes | 24 (Hungary 2001–Malaysia 2003) |
21 | Points in a season for vice-champion | 121 (From 180) |
22 | Wins in a season for vice-champion* | 7 |
23 | Wins at Indy (Any racing class) | 5 |
24 | Wins at Monza (Formula One) | 5 |
25 | Wins in a season | 13 (2004) |
26 | Fastest laps in a season* | 10 (2004) |
27 | Points scored in a season | 148 (2004) |
28 | Podium finishes in a season | 17 (2002) |
29 | Championship won with most races left | 6 (2002) |
30 | Consecutive years with a win | 15 |
31 | Consecutive days as champion | 1813 (from 8 October 2000 until 25 September 2005) |
* Record shared with other driver
Books
- Allen, James (1999). Michael Schumacher : Driven to Extremes. Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553-81214-9.
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(help) - Collings, Timothy (2004). The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. ISBN 0-7535-0965-2.
{{cite book}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - Collings, Timothy (2005). Team Schumacher. Highdown. ISBN 1-905156-03-0.
{{cite book}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - Domenjoz, Luc (2002). Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius. Parragon. ISBN 0-75259-228-9.
- Henry, Alan (ed.) (1992). Autocourse 1992 - 93. Hazleton Publishing. ISBN 0-905138-96-1.
{{cite book}}
:|first=
has generic name (help) - Henry, Alan (1996). Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing. Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated. ISBN 0-7538-0522-7.
- Hilton, Christopher (2003). Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all. Haynes. ISBN 1-84425-044-X.
{{cite book}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - Hilton, Christopher (2006) Michael Schumacher : The Whole Story, Haynes Group ISBN 1-844250-08-3
- Kehm, Sabine (2003). Michael Schumacher. Driving Force. Random House. ISBN 0-091894-352.
- Williams, Richard (1999). The Death of Ayrton Senna. Bloomsbury. ISBN 0747544956.
{{cite book}}
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(help)
References and notes
- ^ a b "Hall of Fame - World Champions: Michael Schumacher". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-05.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher - the end of an era". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006-09-10. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ a b Jochen Rindt, who was born in Germany, won the Formula One World Championship under the Austrian flag.
- ^ a b c d Sapa (2006-09-11). "The greatest driver of all time". SuperWheels. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Schumacher tops F1 supporter poll". BBC Sport. 2006-09-27. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (2006-05-28). "Schumacher's chequered history". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ a b Duff, Alex (2006-09-10). "Schumacher, Seven-Time Champion, to Quit Formula One (Update1)". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ a b "It's official: Schumi to retire". itv.com/f1. 2006-09-11. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
{{cite news}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ Collings, Timothy (2005). Team Schumacher. Highdown. pp. pp.35-37. ISBN 1-905156-03-0.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ a b "The Beginning". mschumacher.com. Crash.net. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ a b Domenjoz, Luc. Michael Schumacher : Rise of a genius. Parragon. pp. pp.10-12, 170–171. ISBN 0-75259-228-9.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help) - ^ Hilton, Christopher (2003). Michael Schumacher : The greatest of all. Haynes. pp. pp.131-132. ISBN 1-84425-044-X.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) Hilton has defined a race in wet conditions as "all races where it rained — even if that was a shower." - ^ "Schumacher races to victory". BBC Sport. 2001-03-18. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Alonso ahead of Schumi". News24. 2006-10-21. Retrieved 2006-10-22.
- ^ Tremayne, David (2006-10-22). "Schuey exit promises many twists and turns". The Independent. Retrieved 2006-10-22.
- ^ "Schu brought down to earth". itv.com/f1. 2006-10-11. Retrieved 2006-10-14.
- ^ Noble, Jonathan (2006-09-26). "Vettel sorry to see 'idol' Schumacher go". Autosport. Retrieved 2006-10-31.
- ^ Collings, Timothy (2004). The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. pp. p.17. ISBN 0-7535-0965-2.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Hilton, Christopher (2006). Michael Schumacher: The whole story. Haynes. pp. pp.62-66. ISBN 1-84425-008-3.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Hilton (2006) pp.67-68
- ^ "1991 Belgian Grand Prix". Results Archive. The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ Collings, Timothy (2007). The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. pp. Chapter 1 'Welcome to the Piranha Club'. ISBN 1-8522-7907-9.
- ^ Domenjoz (2002) p.38
- ^ Henry, Alan (ed.) (1992). Autocourse 1992 - 93. Hazleton Publishing. pp. p.50. ISBN 0-905138-96-1.
{{cite book}}
:|first=
has generic name (help);|pages=
has extra text (help) - ^ Kehm, Sabine (2003). Michael Schumacher. Driving Force. Random House. pp. p.14. ISBN 0-091894-352.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help) - ^ "Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1993". Grand Prix Encyclopedia. GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 2006-11-06.. 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)
- ^ Williams, Richard (1999). The Death of Ayrton Senna. Bloomsbury. pp. pp.177-179. ISBN 0747544956.
{{cite book}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Hilton (2006) pp.118-120
- ^ "Grand Prix Results: Belgian GP, 1994". Grand Prix Encyclopedia. GrandPrix.com. Retrieved 2006-05-13.
- ^ Hilton (2006) p.142
- ^ "Former teammates weigh in on Schumacher". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. 2006-10-05. Retrieved 2007-04-24.
- ^ "1995 Belgian Grand Prix". Results Archive. The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ Baker, Andrew (2006-10-20). "Switch the key to Ferrari revival". Telegraph Sport. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
- ^ "Schumacher confirms retirement". MSN Cars. 2006-09-11. Retrieved 2006-09-28.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (2006-10-18). "Schumacher 'made Ferrari great'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2006-11-06.
- ^ Cours, Magny. "GRAND PRIX RESULTS: FRENCH GP, 1996". grandprix.com. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
- ^ "Friday Press Conference". GrandPrix.com. 2003-10-10. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ a b c "FIA World Motor Sport Council - 11 November 1997" (PDF). FIA. 1997-11-11. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
- ^ "Schumacher out of action". GrandPrix.com. 1999-07-12. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Hall of Fame - World Champions: Mika Hakkinen". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-05.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (04-21-2004). "A death that shocked the world". BBC. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Send your tributes to Schumacher". BBC. Retrieved 2007-02-03.
- ^ "Coulthard takes Melbourne thriller". BBC Sport. 2003-03-09. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Raikkonen claims maiden win". BBC Sport. 2003-03-23. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Raikkonen wins chaotic race". BBC Sport. 2003-04-06. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Schumacher ends barren run". BBC Sport. 2003-04-20. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ "Michael wins Schumacher battle". BBC Sport. 2003-06-15. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ "Silverstone joy for Barrichello". BBC Sport. 2003-07-20. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ "Alonso storms to historic win". BBC Sport. 2003-08-24. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ "FIA stands by tyre rulings". BBC Sport. 2006-09-09. Retrieved 2007-04-25.
- ^ "FIA announce rule changes for 2005 and 2006". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2004-10-22. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ Henry, Alan (2005-07-27). "Alonso within touching distance of title". Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved 2006-11-05.
- ^ "Alonso holds off Schumacher surge". BBC Sport. 2005-04-24. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Schumacher concedes title to Alonso". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006-10-08. Retrieved 2006-10-23.
- ^ "Fisi did cause Schu puncture". itv.com/f1. 2006-10-23. Retrieved 2006-10-23.
- ^ "Superb Schumi signs off in style". BBC Sport. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Brazil: Alonso takes championship, but Michael steals the show". ManipeF1. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "2006 Brazil Grand Prix Report". PitPass. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship" (PDF) (Press release). Ferrari S.p.A. 2006-09-10. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "New role for Schumacher at Ferrari?". PitPass. 2006-10-29. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
- ^ ""Tributes to Schumi"". BBC Sport. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ Evans, Simon (2006-09-11). "Italy shows gratitude to Schumacher". AutoSport. Retrieved 2006-09-12.
- ^ "Schumacher to have corner at Nurburgring". GPUdate.net. 2007-03-26. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
- ^ "Schumacher honoured by the FIA". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006-12-11. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
- ^ "Schumacher becomes Swiss football ambassador". GPUpdate.net. 2007-04-16. Retrieved 2007-04-16.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher honours team Germany's A1GP success". f1.automoto365.com. A1GP. 2007-05-01. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher". Laureus. Laureus World Sport Awards Limited. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
- ^ "Even a tank can't halt schu now". JEC Composites. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher Helmet Profile". theprancinghorse.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ a b "Michael Shumacher Biography". mschumacher.com. Crash.net. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Michael's winning helmet". PitPass. 2006-10-21. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
- ^ Molinaro, John F. (2006-09-12). "Top 10 Michael Schumacher Moments". CBC Sports. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
- ^ a b "The lost honor of Michael Schumacher". GrandPrix.com. 1997-11-03. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ a b Kopu, Ville. "Schumacher 500: Has the King Lost His Crown?". AutoSport. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Henry, Alan. Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing. Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated. p. 117. ISBN 0-7538-0522-7.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ^ "Schumacher loses championship runner-up crown". BBC News. 1997-11-11. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "British Grand Prix Review". AutoSport. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ a b "Schumacher steals Austrian win". BBC Sport. 2002-05-12. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Record fine for Turks". Reuters. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ Wade, Stephen (2002-10-28). "Formula One closes door on team orders". USA Today. Retrieved 2006-10-28.
- ^ "F1 Commission declaration" (Press release). FIA. 2002-10-28. Retrieved 2006-10-30.
- ^ a b "Schumacher is stripped of pole". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006-05-27. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Post-qualifying press conference - Monaco". The Official Formula 1 Website. 2006-05-27. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ Holt, Sarah (2006-10-22). "Who is the real Schumacher?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2006-10-22.
- ^ "Schu lives in a house like this". The Sun Online. 2007-04-10. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
- ^ Reid, Angus (2006-07-11). "Sports: How Big Is Too Big?". Mediacheck. thetyee.ca. Retrieved 2006-10-24. 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 reports that it 'surpassed $800M'. "Retired Schu to earn $26 m in 2007 - report". www.f1i.com. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-23.)
- ^ "The Celebrity 100". Forbes.com. 2005. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "MOT: Schumacher slaps $11.9 m price on his head". AAP Sports News. 1999-11-11. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Schumacher's sponsor extends contract". F1Racing.net. 2005-08-31. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ "Schumacher donates $10 m relief aid". CNN.com. 2005-01-04. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
- ^ McAllister, Mike (2005-11-11). "My Sportsman: Michael Schumacher". 2005 Sportsman of the Year. SI.com. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Schumi urged to lace up his boots". Wheels24. 2006-10-25. Retrieved 2006-11-01.
- ^ "FIFA Fair Play: Playing for a better world". FIFA.com. 2004-12-16. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Thoughts on Schumacher". BBC Sport. 2006-9-10. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Michael Schumacher, a UNESCO champion". UNESCO. 2002. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "CARS Movie Premiere: Tonight - SOLD OUT!". The Official Web Site of Lowe's Motor Speedway. 2006-05-26. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Sport stars for Asterix film". The Sydney Morning Herald. FairfaxDigital. 2006-03-08. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Michael Schumacher". The Formula One Database. www.f1db.com. 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Wikiquote-logo.svg/34px-Wikiquote-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Michael Schumacher's official website
- Formula1.com Profile
- Career statistics
- Michael Schumacher Profile and Statistics on F1db
- Michael Schumacher career statistics
- News Articles about Michael Schumacher
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