Following a skiing accident in the French Alps, the next 48 hours may prove vital for Michael Schumacher, who is in a critical condition after enduring a traumatic head injury. The 44-year-old remains in a coma after undergoing two operations.
From a remarkably early age, Michael Schumacher was destined for greatness. Rolf, his father, ran a successful go-karting business. Michael and his brother, Ralf, spent almost all their free time racing about the track.
Well known for his questionable-risk taking strategies, Schumacher wasn’t always a world class driver. Before his eighth birthday, the seven-time world champion crashed his first ever kart built by his father into a tree, a motorised piece of equipment built by his loving father. However, remarkably, before the age of 18, Schumacher had triumphed both at German and European go-karting level, a hero was in the making. Foot firmly on the accelerator, the teenager was ready to move up a gear… pardon the fallow pun.
Every man and his dog are aware of the supremely talented German. While competing, Schumacher led an astonishing and unsurpassed career. The greatest driver ever to grace the world succeeded at Formula Ford, Formula Three and most importantly at Formula One level.
In 2012, Michael retired from the sport for the second and last time. He still remains the most successful man ever to compete at F1 level. Having won a remarkable two world championships with Benetton and five with Ferrari, the German quickly dethroned Juan Manuel Fangio, a man who wore the ‘King’s’ crown up until 2002.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in world sport, Schumacher could have claimed an eighth title in 2000. However, he was involved in a frightening collision at the British Grand Prix. Schumacher suffered a broken leg while leading this very race. With the biggest name in F1 firmly out of contention, Mika Hakkinen went on to claim a second successive title.
Best known for his glory days with Ferrari, the German made the move after he claimed back-to-back titles in 1994/95. After an infamous collision with Damon Hill, these consecutive victories were clouded in controversy. Ferrari signed Schumacher in an attempt to restore the reputation of their eminent brand name.
His first two seasons with Ferrari were incredible. We were treated to a sumptuous battle between Michael and the McLaren pairing of Hakkinen and Coulthard. Surprisingly, Schumacher lost this battle, and the Finn (Hakkinen) went on to claim the title both years.
As I previously mentioned, Schumacher was involved in a nasty crash while competing in the UK. Nonetheless, his return was almost fairytale like; as he went on to cement his name in the pavements of history by winning the next five world championships. This was Ferrari’s period of dominance, taking fans back to the glory days of yesteryears. Just over a decade ago, Schumacher experienced perhaps highlight of his career. Ferrari’s main man had two young drivers challenging him for the much coveted crown. Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya, now world renowned names, succumbed to Schumacher’s intense pressure. Ferrari’s golden boy took the title by just two points. After Schumacher retired for the first time, Kimi composed himself and replaced Schumacher as the elite name in the world of driving.
Schumacher missed the thrill of competition; he knew that he still possessed the calibre of a true champion. The German signed with Mercedes after Brawn GP were taken over by the German company. However, this time the fairytale failed to live up to its rather romantic billing, with a solitary third-placed finish coming in the 2012 European Grand Prix. This disappointing result on the beautiful streets of Valencia was Schumacher’s best finish in a three-year period.
Once a young Brit by the name of Brit Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes at the end of 2012, it accelerated the second and final retirement of Michael. He bowed out of F1 on the back of his least successful season, finishing 13th with 49 points. Nevertheless, he was and still is the most triumphant driver we have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.
All of us wish him and his family the best in this difficult time.
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Main Photo Credit: Curtis Moffett via Wikimedia Commons
