Michael Schumacher’s System 1 journey is marked by extraordinary achievements, together with securing seven world championships with Benetton and Ferrari, cementing his place as one of many sport’s most legendary figures.
Earlier than Lewis Hamilton matched his seven titles in 2020 and ultimately surpassed him in race wins, Michael Schumacher was thought of probably the most profitable F1 driver in historical past. Nonetheless, Ross Brawn, who labored carefully with Schumacher all through his time at each Benetton and Ferrari, nonetheless holds the German driver within the highest regard, believing that Michael Schumacher’s legacy stands unparalleled, even by Hamilton’s accomplishments.
Schumacher’s F1 profession started in 1991 with Jordan Grand Prix, but it surely was Flavio Briatore who satisfied him to affix Benetton halfway via the season, changing Roberto Moreno. His influence was speedy. In 1994, he clinched his first world title, defeating Damon Hill, and adopted it up in 1995 with one other championship. This time, Schumacher dominated the season, successful 9 races and taking the title by a commanding 33-point margin, serving to Benetton safe the Constructors’ Championship as nicely.
After reaching double world champion standing, Schumacher made the daring choice to depart Benetton in 1996, together with his sights set firmly on Ferrari. On the time, Ferrari had not tasted championship success since Jody Scheckter’s 1979 title and was removed from the dominant pressure it could turn out to be. Regardless of this, the Italian businessman, who at present serves as Renault’s government advisor for System One, was not taken unexpectedly by Schumacher’s transfer, recalling how the German driver had all the time expressed a deep want to race for Ferrari. Schumacher’s transfer to Maranello marked the start of a brand new chapter, one which noticed him accomplish an unprecedented 5 consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004.
Flavio Briatore talked about that he had recognized Schumacher all the time needed to race for Ferrari, believing that each F1 driver, in some unspecified time in the future, goals of becoming a member of the enduring crew. He defined that when Schumacher instructed him about his choice, he wasn’t stunned, as their partnership at Benetton had already resulted in two championships gained in fast succession.
The previous Renault crew principal mirrored that in simply 5 years, they’d secured two titles, and he felt Schumacher may need begun to seek out success with Benetton too simple. The problem of becoming a member of Ferrari appeared interesting to him. Moreover, Flavio Briatore acknowledged that Ferrari’s supply, together with the wage, was one thing he couldn’t match.
In 2025, Ferrari could have witnessed each of System 1’s seven-time world champions behind the wheel of their iconic crimson automotive, as Lewis Hamilton prepares to make the change from Mercedes.
This transfer marks the second time of their careers that Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s paths have crossed, following Lewis Hamilton’s alternative of the German driver at Mercedes in 2013.
Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari is quick approaching, with the 40-year-old set to check for the primary time with the crew later this month at their personal Fiorano circuit. Nonetheless, Ferrari crew principal Frederic Vasseur has indicated that the British driver won’t be met with the identical stage of fanfare that Schumacher acquired when he joined, because the crew goals to focus fully on integrating Hamilton into their setup.
After a difficult last season at Mercedes, the place he recorded the bottom end of his profession in 2024, ending seventh, Hamilton might be hoping that his contemporary begin with Ferrari will present the mandatory increase to regain his confidence and restore his competitiveness.
Jan 20, 2025
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