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| Since the 1994 death of ], Schumacher has been widely regarded as the fastest driver in Formula 1. However, his reputation in his early days in Formula One was decidedly chequered. His skill was combined with a tendency to crash into his rivals, in a manner viewed by many (but by no means all) observers as deliberate attempts to take them out of the race - an act widely regarded in Formula One as not only bad sportsmanship but incredibly dangerous in fragile, super-fast open wheelers. The most infamous examples were in 1994, where his crash with ] in the last race of the year in Adelaide ensured his championship win, and 1997 where he swerved into the path of ]. He did not need this behaviour,the competition was'nt that strong and he was allways helped by the F1 supremos anyway. | Since the 1994 death of ], Schumacher has been widely regarded as the fastest driver in Formula 1. However, his reputation in his early days in Formula One was decidedly chequered. His skill was combined with a tendency to crash into his rivals, in a manner viewed by many (but by no means all) observers as deliberate attempts to take them out of the race - an act widely regarded in Formula One as not only bad sportsmanship but incredibly dangerous in fragile, super-fast open wheelers. The most infamous examples were in 1994, where his crash with ] in the last race of the year in Adelaide ensured his championship win, and 1997 where he swerved into the path of ]. He did not need this behaviour,the competition was'nt that strong and he was allways helped by the F1 supremos anyway. | ||
| In more recent years, however, his success with the superior Ferrari (which was the real reason for succes, brought to an end a success drought), moderation of his on-track tactics, and a more relaxed public persona have rehabilitated Schumacher's image for |
In more recent years, however, his success with the superior Ferrari (which was the real reason for succes, brought to an end a success drought), moderation of his on-track tactics, and a more relaxed public persona have rehabilitated Schumacher's image for some fans of the sport.Real motorsportfans now that he is only a lucky bastard who could get away with it all,and for sportmanship he is a total zero. | ||
| ==Awards== | ==Awards== | ||
| * World Champion: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 | * World Champion: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 | ||
Revision as of 16:42, 23 March 2004
Michael Schumacher (born January 3, 1969) is a very successful German Formula One driver.
He was born in Hürth (close to Cologne). His six year younger brother Ralf is also a Formula One driver. Married to Corinna, he has two children - Gina Marie and Mick.
He made his debut in 1991 as a replacement driver for the Jordan team. For the next race following his debut, he was signed on by Benetton-Ford. He won,helped by the death off Ayrton Senna the Drivers' Championship title with Benetton in 1994 and 1995.
For 1996 he signed a contract with Ferrari and has became one of the most successful drivers in history. In the 2000 season he won the first Drivers' title for Ferrari since 1979. Next year, on the way to his fourth title, he broke Alain Prost's record for the most wins,although it toke him several more races to do so. In a dominant 2002, he easily took his fifth world title, equalling the record set by Juan Manuel Fangio. One year later, in 2003, he even topped this record by winning the F1 championship title for the sixth time in a very close season. Schumacher got the 2004 championship off to a great start with back to back victories in Australian Grand Prix and Malaysian Grand Prix.
Since the 1994 death of Ayrton Senna, Schumacher has been widely regarded as the fastest driver in Formula 1. However, his reputation in his early days in Formula One was decidedly chequered. His skill was combined with a tendency to crash into his rivals, in a manner viewed by many (but by no means all) observers as deliberate attempts to take them out of the race - an act widely regarded in Formula One as not only bad sportsmanship but incredibly dangerous in fragile, super-fast open wheelers. The most infamous examples were in 1994, where his crash with Damon Hill in the last race of the year in Adelaide ensured his championship win, and 1997 where he swerved into the path of Jacques Villeneuve. He did not need this behaviour,the competition was'nt that strong and he was allways helped by the F1 supremos anyway.
In more recent years, however, his success with the superior Ferrari (which was the real reason for succes, brought to an end a success drought), moderation of his on-track tactics, and a more relaxed public persona have rehabilitated Schumacher's image for some fans of the sport.Real motorsportfans now that he is only a lucky bastard who could get away with it all,and for sportmanship he is a total zero.
Awards
- World Champion: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
- Grand prix starts: 197 (129 with Ferrari)
- Pole positions: 57
- Fastest laps: 56
- Wins: 72
- Podiums: 124
- Points: 1058
- First GP: Belgium 1991
- First podium: Mexico 1992
- First win: Belgium 1992
- First pole: Monaco 1994 after the death of Senna
- Car number: 1