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.

Formula One Debut

Schumacher made his Formula One debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix as a replacement driver for the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot (incarcerated for spraying CS gas at a London taxicab-driver's face). Eddie Jordan signed Michael to his Jordan team at the Belgian Grand Prix, after Michael assured Jordan that he had vast experience in the challenging Spa circuit, with its brutal Eau Rouge corner, despite the fact that he had only ran in that track once, and that in a bicycle. Michael astonished everyone by qualifying seventh, in his first competition in an F1 vehicle. He was quickly signed by Benetton-Ford for the next race, and immediately showed great potential. The following year, 1992, he won his first F1 race (again at the Belgian Grand Prix, on August 30), and he finished in third place that year in the Drivers' Championship.

Related Topics:
1991 - Belgian Grand Prix - Bertrand Gachot - CS gas - London - Taxicab - Eddie Jordan - Jordan - Belgian Grand Prix - Eau Rouge - Benetton - Ford - 1992 - Belgian Grand Prix - August 30

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Schumacher won his first World Championship in 1994 while driving for Benetton in an extremely exciting and closely-contested season, marred by the death of Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. He won the first four races of the year, and six of the first seven events. However, in the latter portion of the year, competitor Damon Hill began to edge closer to Schumacher in the standings, aided by two technical disqualifications of Schumacher's Benetton (in Britain and Belgium). Leading by a single point going into the final race in Australia, Schumacher clinched the title after intentionally colliding with Hill, knocking both drivers out of the running. Benetton switched to Renault power for 1995 and Schumacher successfully defended his crown that season, accumulating 30 more points than the second placed driver, who was once again Hill. With teammate Johnny Herbert, he also helped Benetton win its first (and only) Constructors' Championship. In his two first championship seasons, Schumacher won 17 races, achieved 21 podiums, and notched ten pole positions. During this span of 31 grands prix, only once did he qualify worse than fourth position, at the 1995 Belgium Grand Prix, where he started 16th on the grid but still managed to win the race.

Related Topics:
1994 - Ayrton Senna - San Marino Grand Prix - Imola - Damon Hill - Britain - Belgium - Australia - Renault - 1995 - Johnny Herbert - Pole positions

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