Michael Schumacher revolutionized Formula 1 with his ruthless speed and dedication. He transformed Ferrari from a struggling team into an unstoppable dynasty. Furthermore, he set fitness standards that modern drivers still follow today. Consequently, many fans consider him the greatest driver to ever sit in a cockpit. Explore these fascinating details about the Red Baron.
Michael Schumacher
He got his first F1 seat because another driver went to prison. Specifically, Bertrand Gachot sprayed tear gas at a taxi driver. Therefore, this forced the Jordan team to find a replacement immediately.
Michael Schumacher once took over a taxi to drive his family. Because they were running late for a flight, he paid the cabbie to take the wheel. Then, he drove fast to catch the plane.
He appeared as the mysterious driver “The Stig” on Top Gear. Although the BBC usually kept the identity secret, Schumacher revealed himself in 2009. Thus, he drove the unique Ferrari FXX.
He donated $10 million to aid victims of the 2004 tsunami. Generously, he gave more money than many corporations. Sadly, he did this because his bodyguard’s sons died in the disaster.
Michael Schumacher voiced a character in the Pixar movie Cars. Fittingly, he played a Ferrari F430. In the film, he visits Radiator Springs to buy tires from Luigi.
He and his brother Ralf finished first and second in a race. Remarkably, they were the first siblings to achieve this feat. Ultimately, they stood on the podium together at the 2001 Canadian Grand Prix.
He ended Ferrari’s 21-year drought without a World Championship. Previously, the team had struggled for decades. In fact, they had not won a driver’s title since Jody Scheckter in 1979.
Schumacher was the first billionaire athlete in the world. Notably, Forbes estimated his earnings exceeded $1 billion. Thus, he reached this milestone long before Tiger Woods.
He stayed in a youth hostel during his first Grand Prix. Since the team had no budget for luxury hotels, he slept in a small room. Surprisingly, he used a shared toilet despite his talent.
He introduced mobile gyms to the Formula 1 paddock. Unlike drivers of the past who smoked, he trained like a pro. Consequently, he forced rivals to improve their own fitness.
His wife Corinna gave him an African amulet. Specifically, he wore it in every race. Superstitiously, he believed this charm kept him safe, so he refused to drive without it.
Initially, he retired in 2006, but he returned three years later. However, he signed with Mercedes for his comeback. eventually, he helped build the team that Lewis Hamilton would later dominate with.
Actually, a lie about the track helped him secure his debut. Although his manager told the owner that Schumacher knew the Spa circuit, he was lying. In reality, Michael had only ridden a bicycle around it.
He changed his helmet colors to stand out from his teammate. Specifically, he added a bright red top to his design. Therefore, fans could easily distinguish him from Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
Finally, Michael Schumacher suffered a severe head injury while skiing in 2013. Consequently, he withdrew from public life to recover. To this day, his family strictly protects his medical condition.
