Landmark day for the F1 genius and a sporting giant
Birthday honour for German racing legend Schu STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL’S FAMILY
IN the town of Maranello in northern Italy, a museum will today open an exhibition devoted to the career of one of the world’s greatest living sportsmen.
A sportsman the world has not seen for five years, a sportsman who has reached a landmark age.
Such has been the scarcity of information, Michael Schumacher is a figure who has slipped from public thinking.
Yet, less than a week after the fifth anniversary of his skiing accident and on the occasion of his 50th birthday, it is worth remembering the legacy Schumacher – still under round-the-clock medical care in his home in Switzerland – has left. Because that is how great sportsmen and women are remembered when their careers are done.
Muhammad Ali, Pele, Martina Navratilova, Jack Nicklaus. When they are retired, Roger Federer and Serena Williams will join those who bestrode their sport. Hall of famers.
The tragedy of his life-changing accident has softened the perception of Schumacher. But talk to his racing rivals and they will recall an utterly ruthless competitor. Too ruthless for many’s liking, in fact.
One of sport’s most controversial moments came when he sealed the first of his record seven Drivers’ Championships by crashing into Damon Hill in Adelaide in 1994. That is why he might not be considered with the same sort of affection reserved for the likes of the late Ayrton Senna.
But his achievements, his numbers, are his legacy. To go with his seven world titles, he has: The most Grand Prix wins with 91 – still 18 ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
The most Grand Prix wins in a single season with 13.
The most wins at the same Grand Prix, taking the French GP eight times. The most consecutive seasons with a Grand Prix win – 15.
The most fastest laps, his total 77 being 31 more than anyone else.
The most finishes, 308. podium
The most consecutive podium finishes, 19.
That is just a selection of his records. His first two titles were won with Benetton, the rest with Ferrari, whose museum is hosting the exhibition.
Information about his condition has been rare since he suffered brain damage in a low-speed fall in France. In his racing days, Schumacher was a very private individual and his wife Corinna has maintained that approach.
Even his son Mick (above, left), who will race in Formula Two this year, does not give any insight.
Schumacher Junior, 19, is expected to step up to Formula One in 2020.
If the fabled attention to detail, determination and win-at-all-costs attitude runs in the genes, he will make it to the top. “YOU can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.
“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy.
“At the same time we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year in 2019.”