Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher (born January 3, 1969) is a German Formula One (F1) driver nicknamed the "Red Baron". Statistically, he is the most successful F1 driver ever, with the most career victories, and a record seven World Drivers' Championships. As of 2004, he earns an estimated US$80 million annually, including all of his endorsement deals. One notable deal is with the German investment counselling company Deutsche Vermögensberatung, which will pay him US$8 million over three years for wearing a four-inch advert on his post-race hat.

Early Years

Schumacher was born in Hürth-Hermühlheim (close to Cologne, Germany). He began racing karts at the age of four and a half in a home-made kart built by his father, Rolf Schumacher, who managed the local karting track located in Kerpen, Schumacher's home town. He obtained his first license, and began racing competitively, by the age of twelve. Between 1984 and 1987, Michael won numerous German and European kart championships, including the Formula Konig Series. In 1988, Schumacher raced in the Formula Ford series, and over the next two years competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. In 1991, he continued his ascent up the racing ladder, joining the Mercedes junior racing programme in the World Endurance Championship, winning races in Mexico City and at Autopolis, at the wheel of a Sauber-Mercedes C291. He also briefly competed in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship and the German Touring Car Championship in the early 1990s.

Related Topics:
Hürth-Hermühlheim - Cologne - Karts - Father - Rolf Schumacher - Kerpen - License - 1984 - 1987 - European - Formula Konig Series - 1988 - Formula Ford - Formula 3 - 1990 - 1991 - Mercedes - World Endurance Championship - Mexico City - Sauber - Japanese - Formula 3000 - German Touring Car Championship - 1990s

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