Michael Schumacher’s Method 1 journey is marked by extraordinary achievements, together with securing seven world championships with Benetton and Ferrari, cementing his place as one of many sport’s most legendary figures.
Earlier than Lewis Hamilton matched his seven titles in 2020 and finally surpassed him in race wins, Michael Schumacher was thought-about essentially the most profitable F1 driver in historical past. Nonetheless, Ross Brawn, who labored intently with Schumacher all through his time at each Benetton and Ferrari, nonetheless holds the German driver within the highest regard, believing that Michael Schumacher’s legacy stands unparalleled, even by Hamilton’s accomplishments.
Schumacher’s F1 profession started in 1991 with Jordan Grand Prix, however it was Flavio Briatore who satisfied him to affix Benetton halfway by way of the season, changing Roberto Moreno. His influence was rapid. In 1994, he clinched his first world title, defeating Damon Hill, and adopted it up in 1995 with one other championship. This time, Schumacher dominated the season, successful 9 races and taking the title by a commanding 33-point margin, serving to Benetton safe the Constructors’ Championship as nicely.
After attaining double world champion standing, Schumacher made the daring determination to go away Benetton in 1996, along with his sights set firmly on Ferrari. On the time, Ferrari had not tasted championship success since Jody Scheckter’s 1979 title and was removed from the dominant power it might change into. Regardless of this, the Italian businessman, who presently serves as Renault’s govt advisor for Method One, was not taken without warning by Schumacher’s transfer, recalling how the German driver had all the time expressed a deep want to race for Ferrari. Schumacher’s transfer to Maranello marked the start of a brand new chapter, one which noticed him accomplish an unprecedented 5 consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004.
Flavio Briatore talked about that he had identified Schumacher all the time needed to race for Ferrari, believing that each F1 driver, sooner or later, desires of becoming a member of the enduring crew. He defined that when Schumacher informed him about his determination, he wasn’t stunned, as their partnership at Benetton had already resulted in two championships gained in fast succession.
The previous Renault crew principal mirrored that in simply 5 years, that they had secured two titles, and he felt Schumacher might need begun to seek out success with Benetton too straightforward. The problem of becoming a member of Ferrari appeared interesting to him. Moreover, Flavio Briatore acknowledged that Ferrari’s provide, together with the wage, was one thing he couldn’t match.
In 2025, Ferrari may have witnessed each of Method 1’s seven-time world champions behind the wheel of their iconic crimson automotive, as Lewis Hamilton prepares to make the change from Mercedes.
This transfer marks the second time of their careers that Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s paths have crossed, following Lewis Hamilton’s substitute of the German driver at Mercedes in 2013.
Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari is quick approaching, with the 40-year-old set to check for the primary time with the crew later this month at their personal Fiorano circuit. Nonetheless, Ferrari crew principal Frederic Vasseur has indicated that the British driver is not going to be met with the identical stage of fanfare that Schumacher acquired when he joined, because the crew goals to focus fully on integrating Hamilton into their setup.
After a difficult ultimate season at Mercedes, the place he recorded the bottom end of his profession in 2024, ending seventh, Hamilton shall be hoping that his contemporary begin with Ferrari will present the required enhance to regain his confidence and restore his competitiveness.
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