Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Michael Schumacher

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Michael Schumacher.

Michael Schumacher is a retired German Formula One racing driver, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He holds a joint record of seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles. He dominated the sport for over a decade, primarily with Benetton and Ferrari. At the time of his retirement, he held numerous records, including most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes, although many have since been surpassed. He still holds the record for the most fastest laps. His career spanned from 1991 to 2006 and 2010 to 2012.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1989: Drivers' Championship decided

In 1989, the Drivers' Championship had been decided in a similar manner. This event is in reference to Schumacher hitting the guardrail which caused a collision between him and Hill which lead to Schumacher winning the Drivers' Championship.

1990: German Formula Three Championship Win and Macau Grand Prix Win

In 1990, Michael Schumacher won the German Formula Three Championship and the Macau Grand Prix, though the latter was under controversial circumstances.

1990: Drivers' Championship decided

In 1990, the Drivers' Championship had been decided in a similar manner. This event is in reference to Schumacher hitting the guardrail which caused a collision between him and Hill which lead to Schumacher winning the Drivers' Championship.

1991: Incident with Derek Warwick at Nürburgring

During the 1991 430 km of Nürburgring, Michael Schumacher was involved in an incident with Derek Warwick, resulting in a confrontation in the pits after Schumacher swerved his Sauber into Warwick's Jaguar XJR-14.

1994: Collision with Damon Hill

In 1994, Michael Schumacher was involved in a collision with Damon Hill at the Australian Grand Prix during the final race of the season, which ultimately decided the title.

1994: Schumacher cited Benetton's actions

In 1994, Schumacher cited the team's damaging actions as his reason for opting out of his deal with Benetton a year before his contract with them expired.

1994: Damon Hill's comment about Schumacher in 1994

In 1994, regarding his collision with Michael Schumacher, British driver Damon Hill commented on Schumacher's talent and attitude.

1994: San Marino Grand Prix and Allegations of Cheating

The 1994 season, especially the San Marino Grand Prix, was marred by the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, witnessed by Schumacher. Following these events, there were allegations of cheating during the 1994 Formula One season involving several teams, most particularly Schumacher's Benetton, for allegedly breaking the sport's technical regulations by the use of electronic aids.

1997: Disqualification from World Drivers' Championship

In 1997, Michael Schumacher was disqualified from the World Drivers' Championship due to dangerous driving in the European Grand Prix, causing an accident with Jacques Villeneuve.

1997: Collision with Jacques Villeneuve

In 1997, Michael Schumacher was involved in a collision with Jacques Villeneuve at the European Grand Prix during the final race of the season, which ultimately decided the title.

1997: Schumacher Disqualified from Championship

In 1997, Schumacher and Villeneuve competed for the title, in what has been described as the sport's most dramatic and controversial season finale. Schumacher was disqualified from the entire 1997 Drivers' Championship after an FIA disciplinary hearing found that his "manoeuvre was an instinctive reaction and although deliberate not made with malice or premeditation, it was a serious error."

1998: Controversies and Championship Loss

In 1998, Schumacher faced two controversies: one at the British Grand Prix regarding a pit lane penalty, and another at the Belgian Grand Prix where he collided with Coulthard. Heading into the final race, the Japanese Grand Prix, Häkkinen held a four-point advantage over Schumacher and won the Drivers' Championship.

2002: Controversy at the Austrian Grand Prix involving team orders

During the 2002 season, the Austrian Grand Prix saw controversy when Barrichello, under team orders, slowed down to allow Schumacher to win. This action, although not breaking regulations, drew criticism for lacking sportsmanship. Schumacher later tried to return the favor at the United States Grand Prix, resulting in a close finish. The FIA later banned team orders.

2006: 2006 Monaco Qualifying Controversy

In 2006, Michael Schumacher was involved in the Monaco qualifying controversy.

2011: Team orders ban lifted for the 2011 season

The FIA ban on "team orders which interfere with the race result" was lifted for the 2011 season because the ruling was difficult to enforce. This ban had been put in place after the controversy in the 2002 season.

April 2023: Fake AI Interview Published

In April 2023, Die Aktuelle published what it advertised as a "first interview" with Michael Schumacher, including quotes from him about his health and family; it stated, only at the end, that these responses had been fabricated using generative artificial intelligence (AI).

2025: Former Bodyguard Sentenced

In February of 2025, Schumacher's former bodyguard was given a two year suspended sentenced for stealing images, videos and confidential medical records and passing them to Yilmaz Tozturkan, who threatened to "upload them on to the dark web" unless the Schumacher family paid money.