Damon Hill has shed light on his multifaceted relationship with the legendary Michael Schumacher, whose career was marked by both brilliance and controversy.
Three decades ago, Schumacher claimed his first Formula 1 World Championship as a Benetton driver, a milestone in a career that would redefine the sport.
The 1994 Australian Grand Prix remains one of the most infamous moments in F1 history. Schumacher and Hill, fierce title rivals, collided in a dramatic crash that forced both drivers to retire. With neither scoring points, Schumacher clinched the championship in a manner that divided opinion.
Many within the F1 community blamed Schumacher for the incident, seeing it as an example of his notoriously aggressive driving style—a hallmark of his approach on the track.
“Michael and I actually got along well off the track, but on it, we hated each other,” Hill admitted in an interview with Bild.
“In Formula 1, there’s no room for pleasantries if you want to be world champion. You have to exploit every weakness in your opponent and wear them down.”
Hill highlighted Schumacher’s mastery of mind games, describing how the German ace would employ psychological tactics to undermine his rivals.
“Michael was a master of psychological games. He made me feel useless and untalented,” Hill revealed. “And he didn’t hesitate to share that with the press. Given how often he won, there was no reason for anyone to doubt him.”
Despite their intense rivalry, Hill acknowledged Schumacher’s personal warmth beneath his competitive exterior. “Michael was incredibly competitive but also a very warm person,” he added.
Schumacher would go on to secure a record-breaking seven world championships during his iconic tenure with Ferrari. Years later, Lewis Hamilton matched that tally and is set to join Ferrari in 2025, aiming to surpass Schumacher’s record and claim his place as the most successful driver in F1 history.
As for Hill, he triumphed in the championship in 1996, two years after his unforgettable clash with Schumacher in Adelaide—a defining chapter in one of Formula 1’s most legendary rivalries.
