F1 Feature - Defining Schumacher
21/10/2006
It’s difficult to define Michael Schumacher. He’s unquestionably the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, but he’s much more than that to many fans around the world.
To the 14 million Germans that watch every F1 race on television, the seven-time world champion is more than a great driver - he’s an inspiration. He signifies success and hope, and where German kids once grew up wanting to be footballers such as Franz Beckenbauer or Jurgen Klinsmann, now they want to be Schumacher.
World number one golfer, Tiger Woods recently proclaimed Michael to be the best sportsman in the world, owing to his consistency.
Woods isn’t wrong: as he goes into Brazil, Schumacher’s record of 154 podiums from a total of 247 races is an astounding statistic.
To date, Michael has won 91 races (58 of which have been on Bridgestone tyres), and it’s a tough job to cherry-pick his best moments. There was Spain ’94 when he finished second while stuck in fifth gear, or Spain ’96, when he dominated in the rain.
Or there’s Monaco ’97, when he won by nearly one minute, Hungary ’98, when he made up 22 seconds in 18 laps… and so the list goes on, right through to this year’s Chinese Grand Prix, his most recent brilliant victory.
But this weekend the dream comes to an end. The Brazilian Grand Prix will be his last race, but there is little time between now and then for reminiscing.
The stakes are high: victory in Sunday’s 71-lap Brazilian GP, with Fernando Alonso failing to score, would give Michael a record eighth World Championship, and his sixth title on Bridgestone tyres.
It’s sure to be an emotional rollercoaster, with media interest in the sport at its highest for 10 years. German TV station RTL is expecting its highest ever F1 ratings on Sunday, and Michael is aware of the magnitude of the moment.
“I am aware that after 16 years this will be my last race,” says Schumacher, who has to be surrounded by security in the Interlagos paddock to avoid being crushed. “I want to have a beautiful race and a victory would mean I could go out with a high feeling.”
While the on-track competition will be intense, Schumacher can expect the full support of Ferrari and Bridgestone. His team-mate Felipe Massa – a Brazilian – has offered to help him win the world championship, even if it means sacrificing the lead of the race on home soil.
Schumacher goes into the race 10 points behind Alonso, so the odds are stacked against him. But if there’s one man who can turn the situation around, it’s Schumacher – as he did in Hungary ’98 and on many other occasions.
The battle for the Constructors’ Championship, on the other hand, is closer: Ferrari are only nine points behind Renault, and Schumacher is in no doubt as to who should win that contest.
“Whoever comes back from the depths and hauls themselves to this point,” says Schumacher of the Scuderia, “and who puts so much commitment and passion into their work, earns the largest respect. They have my respect. They are the best in the field and the constructors’ title would be absolutely deserved in my eyes.”
By Sunday night, all will be known, and irrespective of whether he wins the title, Michael can rest assured that he leaves the sport a legend. For some while to come, he’ll remain the man that every German kid wants to become.