Full History Of Michael Schumacher In Timeline From 1948

2 days ago : Michael Schumacher Signs Helmet for Jackie Stewart's Charity Auction After a Rare Public act.

Michael Schumacher, aided by his wife Corinna, signed a Jackie Stewart crash helmet for a charity auction supporting dementia research. It marked a rare public act from the F1 legend.

1948: Birth of Elisabeth Schumacher

In 1948, Elisabeth Schumacher, Michael Schumacher's mother, was born. She later operated the canteen at the local kart track.

1955: Mercedes returns to F1

In 1955, was the last time that Mercedes had been in the sport as a constructor before their 2010 return.

1961: Original setup of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association in 1961

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association was originally set up in 1961.

January 1969: Michael Schumacher's Birth

On January 3, 1969, Michael Schumacher was born in Hürth, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany, to working-class parents.

1970: Jack Brabham's Podium

In 1970, Jack Brabham achieved a second-place finish at the British Grand Prix.

1970: Jochen Rindt's domination

In 1970, Jochen Rindt's domination was later equalled by Schumacher. Jochen Rindt was German but raced under the Austrian flag, and was the only posthumous Drivers' Champion.

1970: Oldest Driver Since 1970

In 2011, Michael Schumacher became the oldest driver to lead a race since Jack Brabham in 1970.

1979: Ferrari's last Driver's Championship win

In 1979, Ferrari had last won the Drivers' Championship. In 1996, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers' Championship in 1979 and the Constructors' Championship in 1983.

1979: Ferrari's first Drivers' Championship since 1979

Michael Schumacher beat Mika Häkkinen for his first World Championship at Ferrari and the team's first Drivers' Championship since the 1979 season.

1982: Ferrari came close to championship

In 1982, Ferrari had previously come close to the championship.

1982: Lauda's Comeback

In 1982, Niki Lauda came out of retirement to race for McLaren.

1982: The Grand Prix Drivers' Association disbanded in 1982

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association was disbanded in 1982.

1983: Ferrari's last Constructors' Championship win

In 1983, Ferrari had last won the Constructors' Championship. In 1996, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers' Championship in 1979 and the Constructors' Championship in 1983.

1983: Obtained German Kart License

In 1983, Michael Schumacher obtained his German kart license, a year after winning the German Junior Kart Championship.

1984: Lauda wins third title

In 1984, Niki Lauda won his third world title after coming out of a two-year retirement.

1985: Joined Eurokart Dealer Adolf Neubert

In 1985, Michael Schumacher joined Eurokart dealer Adolf Neubert, furthering his karting career.

1987: German and European Kart Champion

By 1987, Michael Schumacher became the German and European kart champion, marking significant achievements in his early career.

1987: Karting European Championship win

In 1987, Michael Schumacher won the direct-drive Karting European Championship, marking a significant achievement in his early racing career.

1988: Start in Single-Seat Car Racing

In 1988, Michael Schumacher participated in the German Formula Ford and Formula König series, marking his first step into single-seat car racing. He won the Formula König series.

1989: Signed with WTS Formula Three Team

In 1989, Michael Schumacher signed with Willi Weber's WTS Formula Three team to compete in the German Formula Three Championship.

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: Ferrari came close to championship

In 1990, Ferrari had previously come close to the 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: Joined Mercedes-Benz Junior Racing Programme

In 1990, along with Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger, Michael Schumacher joined the Mercedes-Benz junior racing programme in the World Sportscar Championship.

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.

1990: Ferrari 1-2 Finish

In 1998, Ferrari took a 1–2 finish at the French Grand Prix, the first Ferrari 1–2 finish since 1990, and at the Italian Grand Prix, which tied Schumacher with Häkkinen for the lead of the Drivers' Championship with 80 points.

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.

1991: Ferrari Tally start

From 1991 to 1995, Ferrari team's total tally of wins was less than three.

1991: Debut in Formula One

From his debut in 1991 through to the end of 2002 before the introduction of race-fuel qualifying from 2003 onwards, Schumacher was only outqualified 13 times in 178 race entries.

1991: Continued in World Sportscar Championship

In 1991, Michael Schumacher continued with the Mercedes-Benz team in the World Sportscar Championship, winning the final race of the season at Autopolis in Japan with a Sauber–Mercedes-Benz C291. He also competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing fifth.

1991: Formula One Debut

In 1991, Michael Schumacher debuted in Formula One. He competed from 1991 to 2006 and then from 2010 to 2012.

1991: Formula One Appearance with Jordan and Benetton

In 1991, Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut with Jordan at the Belgian Grand Prix. For the rest of the 1991 season, he was then signed by Benetton.

1991: Adelaide Qualifying Incident

In 1991, at Adelaide, Schumacher missed a gear in qualifying and was outqualified by Nelson Piquet, marking the start of his 56-race streak of outqualifying his teammates.

1991: First Winless Year Since 1991

In 2010, for the first time since 1991, Michael Schumacher finished a year without a win, pole position, podium, or fastest lap.

1991: Finish of 1991 Formula One Season

Michael Schumacher finished the 1991 Formula One season with four points from six races. His best finish in 1991 was fifth at the Italian Grand Prix.

1992: Residence in Monaco

From 1992 to May 1996, Schumacher resided in the Fontvieille district in Monaco.

1992: Third in Drivers' Championship and First Teammate Win

In 1992 Michael Schumacher beat his teammate through a full season for the first time and finished third in the Drivers' Championship.

1992: First Podium and Victory

In 1992, Michael Schumacher achieved his first podium finish at the Mexican Grand Prix and his first victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, driving the Benetton B192.

1992: End of Outqualifying Streak

In 1992, Schumacher began a 56-race streak of outqualifiyng his teammates which was eventually broken in 1995 at the Belgian Grand Prix.

1992: ONS Cup Award

In 1992, the German Motor Sport Federation awarded Michael Schumacher the ONS Cup, the highest accolade in German motorsport.

1993: Bambi Award (Sports) and Golden Steering Wheel

In 1993, Michael Schumacher won a Bambi Award (Sports) and was the first racing driver to receive the Golden Steering Wheel.

1993: Victory at Portuguese Grand Prix

In 1993, Michael Schumacher won one race, the Portuguese Grand Prix where he beat Alain Prost, and had nine podium finishes. He finished the season in fourth.

1993: Alain Prost's career win record stood since 1993

Since 1993, Alain Prost's record for most career wins had stood until Schumacher broke it at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2001. Alain Prost held the record for the most career wins.

1994: Won First Drivers' Championship

In 1994, Michael Schumacher driving the Benetton B194, won his first Formula One World Championship. He won the first four races and finished the season with eight wins. During the Spanish Grand Prix, a gearbox failure left him stuck in fifth gear for most of the race, yet he managed to finish in second place.

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: First Formula One World Drivers' Title

In 1994, Michael Schumacher won his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship with Benetton.

1994: ONS Cup Award and European Sportsperson of the Year

In 1994, Michael Schumacher won the ONS Cup for the second time and was voted European Sportsperson of the Year by the International Sports Press Association.

1994: Mansell wins Australian Grand Prix

In 1994, Nigel Mansell won the Australian Grand Prix at 41 after stepping in as a substitute following Ayrton Senna's death.

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: Reliability Issues and Revoked Win

In 1994, reliability issues caused him to finish lower than first and one win was revoked, impacting his potential to win more races.

1994: Schumacher Interview with Damon Hill on driving Benetton

In a 1999 interview with his 1994 and 1995 World Championship rival Damon Hill, Schumacher recalled driving the Benetton car which was "really unbelievable" and "really difficult to drive".

1994: Arguably driving an inferior car in 1994

Michael Schumacher arguably drove an inferior car and either won or narrowly missed the 1994 World Championship.

1994: Relaunch of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association in 1994

Michael Schumacher helped to relaunch the Grand Prix Drivers' Association in 1994. The association had originally been set up in 1961 and was disbanded in 1982.

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.

August 1995: Marriage to Corinna Betsch

In August 1995, Michael Schumacher married Corinna Betsch.

1995: Ferrari was solid competitor

At the end of 1995, Ferrari had improved into a solid competitor, it was still considered inferior to front-running teams like Benetton and Williams.

1995: Ferrari Tally end

From 1991 to 1995, Ferrari team's total tally of wins was less than three.

1995: Alesi and Berger drive Schumacher's Benetton B195

In 1995, Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger were allowed to drive Schumacher's Benetton B195 with which he won the World Championship in 1995, and they could not believe how Schumacher had won with it, calling it "the ugly ducking" for being so ugly to drive and having many crashes.

1995: Youngest Back-to-Back World Champion

In 1995, Michael Schumacher became the youngest back-to-back World Champion at the time.

1995: Second Formula One World Drivers' Title

In 1995, Michael Schumacher won his second consecutive Formula One World Drivers' Championship with Benetton.

1995: ONS Cup Award, German Sportspersonality of the Year, and Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year

In 1995, Michael Schumacher won the ONS Cup, was named German Sportspersonality of the Year, and was named Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year.

1995: Schumacher defended title with Benetton

In 1995, Schumacher successfully defended his title with Benetton, which now had the same Renault engine as Williams. He accumulated 33 more points than second-placed Hill. With Herbert as teammate, he took Benetton to its first Constructors' Championship, breaking the dominance of McLaren and Williams, and became the youngest two-time World Champion in Formula One history.

1995: Dominating the 1995 World Championship

Michael Schumacher dominated the 1995 World Championship.

1995: Most wins in a season in 1995

Michael Schumacher first broke the record of most wins in a season in 1995.

May 1996: Residence in Monaco

From 1992 to May 1996, Schumacher resided in the Fontvieille district in Monaco.

1996: Move to Ferrari

In 1996, Michael Schumacher moved to the Ferrari team, which was struggling at the time.

1996: Spain victory in the rain

In 1996, Michael Schumacher notably won the Spain race in the rain, showcasing his exceptional ability in wet conditions.

1996: Third in Drivers' Championship

In 1996, Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship and helped Ferrari to second place in the Constructors' Championship ahead of his old team Benetton. He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995, despite a poor chassis.

1996: Schumacher Joined Ferrari

In 1996, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers' Championship in 1979 and the Constructors' Championship in 1983, for a salary of $60 million over two years. Schumacher declared the Ferrari F310 good enough to win a championship.

1997: Silbernes Lorbeerblatt

In 1997, For his sports achievements and his commitment to road safety, Schumacher was awarded Germany's highest sporting accolade, the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt.

1997: J. Villeneuve

In 1997, J. Villeneuve won the championship.

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: Birth of daughter Gina-Maria

In 1997, Michael Schumacher's daughter Gina-Maria was born.

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."

1997: Schumacher lured Benetton employees to Ferrari

In 1997, Schumacher lured Benetton employees Rory Byrne (designer) and Ross Brawn (technical director) to Ferrari.

1997: Arguably driving an inferior car in 1997

Michael Schumacher arguably drove an inferior car and either won or narrowly missed the 1997 World Championship.

1997: FIA European road safety campaign

Michael Schumacher participated in an FIA European road safety campaign, as part of his punishment after the collision at the 1997 European Grand Prix.

1998: Teammate Streak Ends

From the 1992 Portuguese Grand Prix to the 1998 Monaco Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher was not beaten by his teammate when both cars finished.

1998: Häkkinen Title Rivalry

In 1998, Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen became Schumacher's main title rival. Driving the superior McLaren MP4/13, Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16-point advantage over Schumacher. Schumacher took six victories and had five other podium finishes.

1998: Collision with Coulthard

In 1998, Michael Schumacher had an unfortunate collision with Coulthard, preventing him from winning more races.

1998: Title Contender

In 1998, Michael Schumacher was again a title contender but did not win the championship, losing out in the final race of the season.

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.

1998: Arguably driving an inferior car in 1998

Michael Schumacher arguably drove an inferior car and either won or narrowly missed the 1998 World Championship.

1999: Ferrari's Constructors' Championship

From 1999 to 2004, Schumacher's Ferrari won a record-breaking eight Constructors' Championships.

1999: Highest Paid Athlete by Forbes

In 1999, Forbes magazine listed Michael Schumacher as the highest paid athlete in the world.

1999: Win Given to Irvine

In 1999, Michael Schumacher gave a win to Eddie Irvine.

1999: Broken Leg

In 1999, Michael Schumacher suffered a broken leg due to brake failure during a race.

1999: Ferrari won Constructors' Championship; Schumacher's accident at British Grand Prix

In 1999, Schumacher contributed to Ferrari winning the Constructors' Championship, their first since 1983. At the British Grand Prix, a rear brake failure caused a crash, resulting in a broken leg and a 98-day absence, where he was replaced by Mika Salo. Upon his return at the Malaysian Grand Prix, he qualified in pole position and then supported Eddie Irvine's championship bid.

1999: Possible World Championship win in 1999

In 1999, it is argued that Michael Schumacher would have won the World Championship had he not been injured, as the performance gap from McLaren was far smaller than in 1998.

1999: Schumacher Interview with Damon Hill

In a 1999 interview with his 1994 and 1995 World Championship rival Damon Hill, Schumacher recalled driving the Benetton car which was "really unbelievable" and "really difficult to drive".

2000: Schumacher's successful run

Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher achieved five Drivers' Championships, 48 wins, and almost all Formula One records. He set a new record of 13 race wins out of a possible 18, surpassing his previous best of 11 wins from the 2002 season.

2000: Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year

From 2000 to 2002, Michael Schumacher was named Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year.

2000: Teammates from 2000-2005

From 2000 to 2005, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were the two drivers who made the most starts as teammates (102) and most 1–2 finishes (24 in the same period).

2000: Helmet color change at the 2000 Monaco Grand Prix

From the 2000 Monaco Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher changed the upper blue color and some of the white areas of his helmet to red in order to differentiate his colours from his new teammate Rubens Barrichello.

2000: Highest Paid Athlete by Forbes

In 2000, Forbes magazine listed Michael Schumacher as the highest paid athlete in the world.

2000: Third Formula One World Drivers' Title

In 2000, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship, beginning a streak of five consecutive titles.

2000: Schumacher wins his third Drivers' Championship with Ferrari

In 2000, Michael Schumacher secured his third Drivers' Championship and his first with Ferrari, after a season-long competition with Mika Häkkinen. He won the first three races and a total of five of the first eight. Despite some setbacks mid-season, Schumacher clinched the championship at the Japanese Grand Prix. He later described it as the fight of his life.

2000: Arguably driving an inferior car in 2000

Michael Schumacher arguably drove an inferior car and either won or narrowly missed the 2000 World Championship.

2000: Most wins in a season in 2000

Michael Schumacher equalled his record of most wins in a season in 2000.

2001: Consecutive races in points from 2001-2003

From 2001 to 2003, Michael Schumacher finished the most races in the points consecutively (24).

2001: European Sportsperson of the Year

From 2001 to 2003, Michael Schumacher was voted European Sportsperson of the Year by the International Sports Press Association and by Polish Press Agency.

2001: Consecutive Podium Finishes

In 2001, Michael Schumacher began a streak of 19 consecutive podium finishes, as well as starting a streak of 24 consecutive race finishes and points finishes.

2001: Marca Leylenda award, L'Équipe Champion of Champions, Gazzetta World Sports Award

In 2001, Michael Schumacher received the Marca Leylenda award, was named L'Équipe Champion of Champions, and won the Gazzetta World Sports Award.

2001: Schumacher wins his fourth Drivers' title

In 2001, Schumacher secured his fourth Drivers' title. He achieved a record-tying nine wins and clinched the championship with four races remaining. He finished with 123 points, 58 ahead of Coulthard. Highlights included winning the Spanish Grand Prix after Häkkinen's retirement, finishing second to his brother Ralf at the Canadian Grand Prix, and breaking Alain Prost's record at the Belgian Grand Prix.

2001: Dominating the 2001 World Championship

Michael Schumacher dominated the 2001 World Championship.

2001: Most wins in a season in 2001

Michael Schumacher equalled his record of most wins in a season in 2001.

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.

2002: Donation for European Floods

For the 2002 European floods, Schumacher donated €1 million.

2002: End of era before race-fuel qualifying

From his debut in 1991 through to the end of 2002 before the introduction of race-fuel qualifying from 2003 onwards, Schumacher was only outqualified 13 times in 178 race entries.

2002: Dominant season in 2002

In 2002, Michael Schumacher had 17 podium finishes in a season and won the championship with six races left, also achieving 19 consecutive podium finishes dating back to 2001.

2002: UNESCO Champion for Sport

In 2002, Michael Schumacher was appointed UNESCO Champion for Sport due to his involvement in humanitarian projects and charitable donations.

2002: Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

In 2002, Michael Schumacher won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

2002: ONS Cup Award and UNESCO Champion for Sport

In 2002, Michael Schumacher won the ONS Cup and was named as one of the UNESCO Champions for Sport.

2002: World Championship win in 2002

In 2002, Michael Schumacher won the World Championship with six rounds to spare, which was earlier in the year than anyone before him (21 July).

2002: Schumacher had 11 wins

In 2002, Schumacher had 11 wins. Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher achieved five Drivers' Championships, 48 wins, and almost all Formula One records.

2002: Schumacher retains his Drivers' Championship, equaling Fangio's record

In 2002, Schumacher retained his Drivers' Championship, equaling Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five World Championships. Ferrari won 15 out of 17 races, and Schumacher clinched the title with six races remaining. He broke his own record with 11 race wins and finished every race on the podium, ending with 144 points, 67 ahead of Barrichello.

2002: Dominating the 2002 World Championship

Michael Schumacher dominated the 2002 World Championship, driving what was considered the clear-cut fastest car with teammate Barrichello as runner-up.

2003: Fastest race win in 2003

At the 2003 Italian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher set the record for the race win at the fastest ever average speed of 247.586 kph (153.843 mph).

2003: Spa-Francorchamps Favorite Track

By 2003, Michael Schumacher described the Spa-Francorchamps circuit as "far and away my favourite track."

2003: European Sportsperson of the Year

From 2001 to 2003, Michael Schumacher was voted European Sportsperson of the Year by the International Sports Press Association and by Polish Press Agency.

2003: Introduction of race-fuel qualifying

From his debut in 1991 through to the end of 2002 before the introduction of race-fuel qualifying from 2003 onwards, Schumacher was only outqualified 13 times in 178 race entries.

2003: Schumacher's talent, discipline and leadership

In 2003, Deutsche Welle highlighted Michael Schumacher's "natural talent" for racing and his "discipline and leadership" qualities.

2003: Death of Elisabeth Schumacher

In 2003, Elisabeth Schumacher, Michael Schumacher's mother, passed away. She was born in 1948.

2003: Analysis of Schumacher's driving style

In 2003, F1 Racing magazine analyzed Michael Schumacher's driving style using telemetry data, observing his sensitivity and flexibility on the gas and brakes. Compared to his Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher braked later into corners, stabilized his car with slight acceleration, and balanced his car by lightly braking when exiting corners.

2003: Consecutive Race Finishes

In 2003, Michael Schumacher continued a streak of 24 consecutive race finishes, which had begun in 2001.

2003: L'Équipe Champion of Champions, Lorenzo Bandini Trophy

In 2003, Michael Schumacher was named L'Équipe Champion of Champions and won the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy.

2003: Schumacher's performance in wet races

In 2003, Motor Sport author Christopher Hilton observed Michael Schumacher's exceptional performance in wet races, highlighting his car control and sensitivity. Up to the end of 2003, Schumacher had won 17 of the 30 races contested in wet conditions, earning nicknames like "Regenkönig" and "Regenmeister."

2003: Schumacher wins his sixth Drivers' Championship

In 2003, Schumacher secured his sixth Drivers' Championship after a closely contested battle. New regulations and a points system made the championship more competitive. He won the San Marino Grand Prix despite personal loss and faced strong competition from Räikkönen and Montoya. At the Japanese Grand Prix, he finished eighth, securing the one point needed to win the title.

2003: Winning the 2003 World Championship

Michael Schumacher won the competitive 2003 World Championship.

August 2004: Ferrari's sixth consecutive Constructors' Championship

In August 2004, Schumacher's victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix secured Ferrari's sixth consecutive Constructors' Championship. He later clinched his seventh Drivers' Championship at the Belgian Grand Prix.

2004: Schumacher holds most major Formula One records in 2004

By 2004, Michael Schumacher came to hold most major Formula One records.

2004: Ferrari's Constructors' Championship

From 1999 to 2004, Schumacher's Ferrari won a record-breaking eight Constructors' Championships.

2004: Records broken in 2004

In 2004, Michael Schumacher achieved numerous records including consecutive wins (7), wins in a season (13), fastest laps in a season (10), points scored in a season (148).

2004: Seventh Formula One World Drivers' Title

In 2004, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari secured their fifth consecutive title, giving Schumacher his unprecedented seventh Formula One World Drivers' Championship.

2004: Collision with Juan Pablo Montoya

In 2004, Michael Schumacher had an unfortunate collision with Juan Pablo Montoya, preventing him from winning more races.

2004: Tied record of most wins at the start of a season in 2004

In 2004, Michael Schumacher tied Nigel Mansell for the record of most wins at the start of a season.

2004: Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

In 2004, Michael Schumacher won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

2004: Donation for Indian Ocean Earthquake

In 2004, Schumacher donated $10 million for aid after the Indian Ocean earthquake, surpassing that of any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.

2004: Schumacher as "the ultimate driving machine"

In 2004, Slate magazine described Michael Schumacher as "the ultimate driving machine" and "the most dominant athlete in the world" because he had become "quicker, stronger, and fitter than the competition by outworking them". The magazine noted that Schumacher changed the sport and set a new benchmark for other drivers.

2004: Prototype helmet driven over by a tank in 2004

In 2004, a prototype of the lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer helmet developed by Michael Schumacher in conjunction with Schuberth was publicly tested by being driven over by a tank; it survived intact.

2004: Dominating the 2004 World Championship

Michael Schumacher dominated the 2004 World Championship, with teammate Barrichello as runner-up.

2004: German Sportspersonality of the Year and Greatest Sportsperson of the 20th Century

Michael Schumacher was voted German Sportspersonality of the Year in 2004 and was voted Germany's greatest sportsperson of the 20th century.

2005: Teammates from 2000-2005

From 2000 to 2005, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were the two drivers who made the most starts as teammates (102) and most 1–2 finishes (24 in the same period).

2005: World's First Billionaire Athlete and Powerful Celebrity

In 2005, EuroBusiness magazine identified Schumacher as the world's first billionaire athlete. Also in 2005, Forbes ranked him 17th in its "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities" list.

2005: Third-Place Finish

In 2005, Michael Schumacher finished third in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship.

2005: Schumacher's struggles and sole win at the United States Grand Prix

In 2005, rule changes favored teams using Michelins, impacting Ferrari's performance. Schumacher had a notable battle with Alonso at the San Marino Grand Prix but acknowledged his reduced competitiveness. His sole win came at the United States Grand Prix after Michelin-equipped teams withdrew due to safety concerns. He finished the season in third place with 62 points.

2005: Reversal of the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix.

Schumacher's pole position at the San Marino Grand Prix in 2006 was his 66th, breaking Ayrton Senna's 12-year-old record, which was described as perhaps the greatest record that stood in the sport, and was a reversal of the 2005 race.

2006: Schumacher's last season with Ferrari, wins and retirement announcement

2006 marked Schumacher's final season with Ferrari. After a slow start, he won several races, breaking Senna's pole position record. He was stripped of pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix. Schumacher announced his retirement after winning the Italian Grand Prix. Later, he secured his 91st and final career win at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading the championship standings. Ferrari issued a press release stating that Schumacher would retire from racing at the end of the 2006 season but would continue working for the team.

2006: First Retirement

By the time he first retired in 2006, with 91 wins in 248 starts out of 250 entries (only behind Riccardo Patrese), Schumacher had a win ratio of 36 percent of starts, ahead of Formula One drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, both of them at 25 percent of starts.

2006: Considered among the greatest F1 drivers in 2006

By the time of his first retirement in 2006, Michael Schumacher was widely considered among the greatest Formula One drivers.

2006: All-red helmet at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix

For the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher wore an all-red helmet that included the names of his ninety-one Grand Prix victories.

2006: Charitable Donations

From 2002 to 2006, Michael Schumacher donated at least $50 million to various charities.

2006: Second-Place Finish & Retirement

In 2006, Michael Schumacher finished second in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship before retiring from the sport.

2006: Voice Role in Cars

In 2006, Michael Schumacher had a voice role in the Disney/Pixar film Cars as a Ferrari F430.

2006: FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport, Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2006, Michael Schumacher was awarded an FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport and received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" presented by Pelé.

2006: 2006 Monaco Qualifying Controversy

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

2006: Most starts in 2006

In 2006, Michael Schumacher was the driver to have made the most starts with the same constructor (Ferrari, 180) and engine manufacturer (Ferrari, 180).

2006: End of career highlights

In 2006, at the end of his initial career, Michael Schumacher had 91 wins, 40 more than his nearest rival, Alain Prost, and held at least thirty-one records in Formula One, including most championship titles, race victories, podium finishes, pole positions, and fastest laps.

2006: Leading a race since 2006

In 2011, at the Japanese Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher lead three laps during the race, marking the first time since 2006 that he had led a race.

2006: Most popular driver of the season in 2006

In a 2006 FIA survey, Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular driver of the season among Formula One fans.

2006: Schumacher's first retirement in 2006

When Michael Schumacher first retired in 2006, three of the top ten drivers in that year's Drivers' standings were German, more than any other nationality. Younger German drivers, such as Sebastian Vettel, felt Schumacher was key in them becoming Formula One drivers.

2007: Prince of Asturias Award for Sport, Race of Champions Nations' Cup

In 2007, Michael Schumacher received the Prince of Asturias Award for Sport and together with Sebastian Vettel, won the Race of Champions Nations' Cup for Germany.

2007: Adviser for Ferrari

In 2007, Michael Schumacher served as Ferrari's advisor and super assistant to Jean Todt, contributing to their development program.

2007: Nürburgring circuit renamed turns 9 and 10 as the Schumacher S

In 2007, in recognition of his contribution to Formula One, the Nürburgring circuit renamed turns 9 and 10 as the Schumacher S.

2007: Move to Switzerland

In 2007, the Schumacher family moved to a newly built mansion near Gland, Switzerland.

2008: Superbike Racing

In 2008, Michael Schumacher competed in motorcycle racing in the IDM Superbike series, finishing third in a Superbike cup race at the Pannónia-Ring riding a Honda CBR1000RR.

2008: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2008, Michael Schumacher donated between $5 million and $10 million to the Clinton Foundation.

2008: Bacardi Advertising Campaign

In 2008, Michael Schumacher was the figurehead of an advertising campaign by Bacardi to raise awareness about responsible drinking.

2008: Turned Down Offer from SS Murata

In 2008, Sammarinese football club SS Murata approached Schumacher to join their squad for their upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifying matches but he turned down the offer.

2008: Ambassador for UEFA Euro 2008

In 2008, the Swiss Football Association appointed Michael Schumacher as the country's ambassador for UEFA Euro 2008.

July 2009: Aborted Formula One Return

In July 2009, Ferrari announced plans to draft Michael Schumacher to replace the injured Felipe Massa for the European Grand Prix. However, due to a neck injury, Schumacher had to call off his return, describing it as his "toughest moment".

December 2009: Return to Formula One with Mercedes

In December 2009, Michael Schumacher announced his return to Formula One for the 2010 season with the new Mercedes GP team, marking Mercedes' return to the sport as a constructor since 1955. He cited a renewed interest and the opportunity to work with Ross Brawn as reasons for his return.

2009: Appearance on Top Gear

In 2009, Schumacher appeared on the BBC's motoring programme Top Gear as the Stig, driving a Ferrari FXX.

2009: Schumacher on Jerez

In 2009, Schumacher stated that if he could have his career over again, he would "do some things differently", citing Jerez 1997 as something that he would have changed in his career.

2009: Impact of Motorcycle Accident

In 2009, it has been argued that Michael Schumacher's motorcycle accident, and the damaged neurons from a neck injury, was probably responsible for his lack of form second time around than age or length of absence.

2009: Eichenberger and Stadelmann Model of 2009

Objective mathematical models, such as Eichenberger and Stadelmann (2009, 3rd), put Michael Schumacher consistently among the top 5 greatest Formula One drivers ever.

2010: Point system overhaul in 2010

By 2006, Michael Schumacher had scored the most points (1,369) before the point-system was overhauled in 2010.

2010: Return to Formula One and Initial Struggles

In 2010, Michael Schumacher finished sixth in the Bahrain Grand Prix, his first race after returning to Formula One. He faced challenges, finishing behind teammate Nico Rosberg in the initial races. There were questions about whether Schumacher was still competitive.

2010: Return to Formula One with Mercedes

In 2010, Michael Schumacher made a brief return to Formula One with the Mercedes team.

2010: Return to Formula One

In 2010, Michael Schumacher made a return to Formula One. He raced with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012.

2010: Joining Mercedes GP Team

In 2010, Michael Schumacher returned to Formula One with Mercedes GP team, partnering with Nico Rosberg and reuniting with team principal Ross Brawn.

2010: Personal Fortune Estimated

In 2010, Michael Schumacher's personal fortune was estimated at £515 million.

2010: Comeback at 41

In 2010, Michael Schumacher, at the age of 41, made a comeback to Formula One with Mercedes, signing a three-year contract. Comparisons were drawn to other drivers who had achieved success at similar ages.

2010: Vowles praises Schumacher's role at Mercedes

In 2023, James Vowles said that Schumacher brought Mercedes together during his time at the team between 2010 and 2012.

2011: Commemorative helmet at the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix

At the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher's 20th anniversary in Formula One, he wore a commemorative gold-leafed helmet, which included the year of his debut and the seasons of his seven Drivers' titles.

2011: First Points Since Return

In 2011, Michael Schumacher scored his first points since his Formula One return at the Malaysian Grand Prix where he finished ninth. He also finished sixth in Spain and fourth at the Canadian Grand Prix, seen as his most convincing performance since his comeback.

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.

October 2012: Second Retirement Announcement

In October 2012, Michael Schumacher announced his second retirement from Formula One, citing a lack of desire to continue dealing with the sport.

2012: Final retirement in 2012

By the time of his final retirement in 2012, Michael Schumacher was widely considered among the greatest Formula One drivers.

2012: Platinum-leafed helmet at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix

During his 300th Grand Prix appearance at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher wore a platinum-leafed helmet with a message of his achievement.

2012: Podium Finish at the European Grand Prix

In 2012, Michael Schumacher finished third at the European Grand Prix, his only podium finish since his return to Formula One. He became the oldest driver to achieve a podium since 1970, at 43 years and 173 days old.

2012: Final Retirement from Formula One

In 2012, Michael Schumacher retired from Formula One for the final time, concluding his stint with Mercedes.

2012: Second Retirement

In 2012, Michael Schumacher retired from Formula One for the second time, concluding his stint with Mercedes.

2012: Race of Champions Nations' Cup

In 2012, Michael Schumacher, together with Sebastian Vettel, won the Race of Champions Nations' Cup for Germany.

2012: Brawn's View on Schumacher

In 2012, Ross Brawn said that Michael's contribution to Mercedes' development and future had been significant.

2012: Retirement at Monaco Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher experienced a retirement at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix.

December 2013: Skiing Accident

In December 2013, Michael Schumacher suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident, leading to a medically induced coma.

2013: Skiing Accident

Before his skiing accident in 2013, Schumacher's main hobbies included horse riding, motorcycle racing, sky diving, and playing football for his local team FC Echichens.

2013: Ski injury and Brawn's opinion

In 2013, Brawn stated that had Schumacher not suffered a ski injury, he would have had a chance at winning his eighth World Championship in 2014.

2013: Final Race and Season Conclusion

In 2013, Michael Schumacher concluded his Formula One career with a seventh-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He finished 13th in the 2012 Drivers' Championship. During his comeback, he never won a race or finished higher than eighth overall.

2013: Donation for European Floods

Years after donating €1 million for the 2002 European floods, Schumacher donated €500,000 after the 2013 European floods.

March 2014: Encouraging Signs

By March 2014, there were small encouraging signs in Michael Schumacher's condition after his skiing accident.

April 2014: Moments of Consciousness

In early April 2014, Michael Schumacher was showing moments of consciousness as he was gradually withdrawn from the medically induced coma.

June 2014: Move to Lausanne University Hospital

In June 2014, Michael Schumacher left Grenoble Hospital for further rehabilitation at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland.

June 2014: Coming Out of Coma

In June 2014, Michael Schumacher was brought out of his medically induced coma and transferred from the hospital in Grenoble to Lausanne University Hospital for further rehabilitation.

September 2014: Return Home for Rehabilitation

In September 2014, Michael Schumacher left the hospital and was brought back to his home for further rehabilitation.

September 2014: Relocation to Home for Treatment

In September 2014, Michael Schumacher was relocated to his home to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation privately.

November 2014: Reports of Paralysis and Memory Problems

In November 2014, it was reported that Michael Schumacher was "paralysed and in a wheelchair", and that he "cannot speak and has memory problems".

2014: Mercedes' Constructors' Championship

From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes went on to win a record-breaking eight Constructors' Championships with Hamilton, Rosberg, and Bottas.

2014: Bahrain International Circuit first corner renamed

In 2014, the first corner of the Bahrain International Circuit was renamed in honor of Michael Schumacher.

2014: original F1metrics Model of 2014

Objective mathematical models, such as original F1metrics (2014, 4th), put Michael Schumacher consistently among the top 5 greatest Formula One drivers ever.

May 2015: Condition Slowly Improving

In May 2015, Michael Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm stated that his condition was slowly improving "considering the severeness of the injury he had".

December 2015: Reported He Could Walk Again

In December 2015 German publication Die Bunte reported that Schumacher could walk again, which was later refuted in court.

2015: Bell Model of 2015

Objective mathematical models, such as Bell et al. (2015, 3rd), put Michael Schumacher consistently among the top 5 greatest Formula One drivers ever.

September 2016: Lawyer States Schumacher Cannot Walk

In September 2016, Felix Damm, lawyer for Schumacher, told a German court that his client "cannot walk", in response to reports from December 2015 in German publication Die Bunte that he could walk again.

2016: Nico Rosberg becomes World Champion in 2016

Nico Rosberg becomes World Champion in 2016, after competing against Michael Schumacher.

2017: Fifth Highest Career Earnings

In 2017, Forbes designated Schumacher as the athlete with the fifth highest career earnings of all-time.

2017: Induction into FIA Hall of Fame and Germany's Sports Hall of Fame

In 2017, Michael Schumacher was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame and Germany's Sports Hall of Fame.

2018: FiveThirtyEight Model of 2018

Objective mathematical models, such as FiveThirtyEight (2018, 2nd), put Michael Schumacher consistently among the top 5 greatest Formula One drivers ever.

July 2019: Good Progress but Struggles to Communicate

In July 2019, former Ferrari manager Jean Todt stated that Michael Schumacher was making "good progress" but also "struggles to communicate". Todt also said that Schumacher was able to watch Formula One races on television at his home.

September 2019: Hospital Treatment in Paris

In September 2019, Le Parisien reported that Michael Schumacher had been admitted to the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou in Paris for treatment by cardiovascular surgeon Philippe Menasché. Following the treatment, medical staff stated that he was "conscious".

2019: updated F1metrics Model of 2019

Objective mathematical models, such as updated F1metrics (2019, 1st), put Michael Schumacher consistently among the top 5 greatest Formula One drivers ever.

2020: FIA President Award

In 2020, Jean Todt honored Michael Schumacher with the FIA President Award.

2020: Hamilton surpasses Schumacher's wins

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton surpassed Schumacher's record of 91 wins, becoming the driver with the most wins in Formula One history.

2020: Championship Record Tied

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton tied Michael Schumacher's record of seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles.

2020: Martin Brundle comments on Schumacher in 2020

In 2020, Martin Brundle commented on Michael Schumacher's inner self-belief, noting that it occasionally shows up as flaws. He also highlighted Schumacher's achievements, speed, and accomplishments at two different teams.

2020: Most influential person in Formula One history in 2020

In 2020, Michael Schumacher was voted the most influential person in Formula One history.

July 2021: Netflix Announces Schumacher Documentary

In July 2021, Netflix announced the first officially approved documentary film about Schumacher, called "Schumacher."

September 2021: Release of Schumacher Documentary

On 15 September 2021, the officially approved documentary film about Schumacher, called "Schumacher", was released.

2021: Mercedes' Constructors' Championship

From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes went on to win a record-breaking eight Constructors' Championships with Hamilton, Rosberg, and Bottas.

2021: Son Mick's Formula One debut

In the 2021 season, Mick Schumacher made his Formula One debut with Haas F1 Team, becoming the third Schumacher to race in Formula One.

2022: State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia

In 2022, Michael Schumacher was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.

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).

2023: Vowles praises Schumacher's role at Mercedes

In 2023, James Vowles said that Schumacher brought Mercedes together during his time at the team between 2010 and 2012.

2023: Fisichella praises Schumacher

In 2023, former Formula One rival Giancarlo Fisichella observed that Michael Schumacher "did not even seem to have sweated" during races, adding that Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver of all time and "rewrote the history of Formula One".

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.