SCHUMACHER – LOOKING BACK WITH PRIDE

Having won seven World Drivers’ Championships during his time in Formula One, Michael Schumacher is spoilt for choice when it comes to picking his all-time greatest Championship.  Without hesitation though, he declares his first title with Ferrari in 2000 as his most satisfying. 

In a recent in-depth interview with shell.com/ferrari, Michael Schumacher explained: “The most important [Championship] was the one in 2000. After four years of trying and being very close and not achieving it, finally to do it in 2000 was a big relief and success to all of us.” The 2000 season Championship opened the floodgates for Schumacher, who had already won the title twice with Bennetton in 1994 and 1995. In between 2000 and 2004, the German claimed an astonishing five World Drivers’ Titles and 48 race victories for Scuderia Ferrari.

Schumacher famously equalled Ayrton Senna’s haul of 41 race victories at Monza in 2000, and is well-known for his respect for the late Brazilian racing legend. When asked for the name of the greatest driver in his time in Formula One, there was only one contender, explaining: “The only sad thing which happened in 1994 was the death of Ayrton Senna which was a great tragedy. It would have been great to have him around for longer because he was, at the time, the master of the game and to fight him was great satisfaction.” 

A long-time ambassador for Shell, Schumacher also opened up in the interview about the support he received from his wife at the track and about his pre-race rituals: “I loved to have my wife around, I felt very comfortable.” He explained, “I never really did [have pre-race rituals] except sleep a little before the race, just to relax and feel refreshed before you finally go to the race.”