Michael Schumacher’s journey to becoming one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history began long before his debut on the grand stage.
1991: Inaugural Season
Michael Schumacher’s career in Formula 1 began at the Belgium Grand Prix where he qualified seventh. Sadly, he was unable to finish his first race in the sport as he retired after just one lap.
1994-1995: Benetton Age
Schumacher went to Benetton, and right from the start, it was clear that he would not spend in the shadow of the others. In 1994, he won the first of his World Championships. The following year he added another title, victory, which further strengthened the signs of the fast-rising star of the sport.
1996-1999: Partnership with Ferrari
In 1996, Schumacher put pen to paper with Scuderia Ferrari, with the intention of helping bring back the lost lustre of the team for which two decades had been pretty much since they’d won anything noticeable. There was a comedown at the outset; nonetheless, he did not waver and, having reached the finish line in the year of our lord two thousand claims the title – he was able to bring to a halt the long-standing dry spell of titles at Ferrari.
2001-2004: Reigning at Ferrari
While at Ferrari, Schumacher kept on his breathtaking list of achievements, which has been executing the World Champion title for five years in a row from 2001 to 2005. Many records were established due to the dominance during this period, such that it made him one of the best-ever F1 drivers.
2005: Sport Competitiveness
In 2005, the trends in competition changed for the negative and then Ferrari was not able to compete with McLaren and Renault. This season signified the onset of more factors that would challenge both Schumacher and the team.
2006: Championship Close Call and Retirement
Schumacher was once again whipping up competitive machines in 2006 and seriously contending for a title. There was however a devastating non-retirement engine failure at the race in Suzuka that meant he would not win the title. At the conclusion of this season, he declared that he would no longer be participating in Formula One racing.
2010-2012: Resurgence with Mercedes
Schumacher returned to F1 in 2010, signing up with the Mercedes. The team was not yet competitive, but he sought to help in its growth. He raced with Mercedes till the end of 2012 before hanging his racing boots for good.
