Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher was born January 3, 1969, in Hürth-Hermühlheim, near Cologne, Germany. He is among the most famous athletes worldwide, and currently the most successful Formula 1 driver in the history of the sport. Records he hold include the most victories, most championship points and a record seven World Drivers' Championship Titles.

Early Years

Schumacher began racing karts at the age of four and a half in a home-made kart built by his father, Rolf Schumacher, who managed the local karting track located in Kerpen, Schumacher's home town. He obtained his first license, and began racing competitively, by the age of twelve. Between 1984 and 1987, Schumacher won numerous German and European kart championships, including the Formula Konig Series.

In 1988, Schumacher raced in the Formula Ford series, and over the next two years competed in the German Formula 3 series, winning the title in 1990. In 1991, he continued his ascent up the racing ladder, joining the Mercedes junior racing program in the World Endurance Championship, winning races in Mexico City and at Autopolis, at the wheel of a Sauber-Mercedes C291. He also briefly competed in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship and the German Touring Car Championship in the early 1990s.

1991

Schumacher made his Formula One debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix as a replacement driver for the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot (incarcerated for spraying CS gas at a London taxicab-driver's face). Eddie Jordan signed Michael to his Jordan team at the Belgian Grand Prix, after Michael assured Jordan that he had vast experience in the challenging Spa circuit, with its demanding and notriously tricky Eau Rouge corner, despite the fact that he had only been around the track once on a borrowed bicycle! Michael astonished everyone by qualifying seventh, in his first outing in an F1 vehicle. He was quickly signed by Benetton-Ford for the next race, and immediately showed great potential.

1992-1993

Schumacher consolidated himself as a talented driver in F1 as he claimed his maiden victory in the Belgian Grand Prix with Benetton Ford. In 1992 he finished third in the final standings.

1993 was a year of great expectation for both Benetton and Schumacher. The German won one race but was not able to challenge for the title as the superiority of the Benetton machine was not fully exploited. The year was once again dominated by Williams and only Senna, in an inferior McLaren, was able to regularly challenge Alain Prost, who had at his disposal the strongest package in terms of engine, chassis and specially electronics. Nevertheless this was a crucial year for developing the Benetton machine as electronic launch and traction controls were incorporated into an engine control unit (ECU).

Michael Schumacher Picture Gallery

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