Michael Schumacher is a former German race car driver, widely seen among one of the best drivers in the history of Formula One where he is a seven time world champion. He holds several records as a Formula One driver including most number of championships won, fastest laps, championship points, and race victories and most wins in a season with 13, which was equalled by compatriot Sebastian Vettel nine years later in 2013.
In 2003, the German entered into the history books when he became the first and so far, only driver to finish in the podium places in each and every race of the season and also broke the record for most consecutive podium finishes as well. According to the official website of Formula One, Schumacher is statistically the most successful and greatest driver the sport has witnessed.
The German made his debut in Formula One after being signed by Jordan – Ford at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991 where he qualified seventh on a completely unknown track. However, after just one race with Jordan – Ford, Schumacher was signed by Benetton – Ford. Michael Schumacher became the world champion driving the Benetton car in 1994. That season was marred by two deaths on the Formula One grid, most notably Ayrton Senna and Benetton by allegations about cheating and tweaking their car to get extra speed.
He won the title again the following year, as well as leading Benetton to its first ever Constructors’ World Championship as well.
Schumacher was signed on to Ferrari in 1996 and over the next decade, the German completely dominated the sport, winning five world titles before retiring in 2006.
However, Michael Schumacher came out of retirement in 2010 for his first team Mercedes and raced for three more seasons for them before eventually retiring for good in 2012.
