50 years ago, a star was born. Not only did he redefined excellence and set incredible records in Formula One, records that are yet to be beaten, but he also shaped and changed the sport forever.
Seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher turned 50 last Thursday, with Formula One and his fans paying tribute to the sport’s most successful driver with a mixture of celebration and sorrow.
Michael made his Formula One debut in 1991 in the Belgian Grand Prix after he was signed by Eddie Jordan for $150,000. Having made only one appearance with Jordan, Schumacher moved to Benetton alongside Nelson Piquet – World Champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987. The young Schumi out qualified his vastly more experienced teammate four times out of five in the season run-in. And the rest, as they say, is the history. What followed has left a legacy that will last forever.
Michael had a tremendous impact on Formula One. The memory of what Schumacher achieved in Formula 1 over a career that spanned for more than 18 seasons and over 21 years is indelible. Victories including his wet-weather domination of Spain in 1996, his incredible fightback in Hungary in 1998, his on-the-limit battle with Mika Hakkinen at Suzuka that clinched his first title in 2000 were tours de force. And there were many more among that astonishing total of 91 victories from 306 starts. Schumi still remains 18 clear of second-placed ‘Billion Dollar Man’ Lewis Hamilton on the all-time list. A record seven world championships, two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and five in a row for Ferrari from 2000 to 2004, Schumacher also holds the records for most Grand Prix victories (91), fastest laps (77), and most wins in a single season (13). 2004 was an extraordinary season for him as he achieved eight pole positions, 10 fastest laps, 15 podium positions, and 13 Grand Prix wins.
Michael did everything with great determination, from his engineering debriefs to his physical training, and was always searching for new ways to improve his on-track performance. His talent was indisputable, particularly in wet conditions. Fans nicknamed him ‘Regenmeister’ (Rain Master) and ‘Regenkonig’ (Rain King). Due to uncountable feat he achieved in his career, he also earned the nickname ‘Red Dragon’.
After winning his Grand Prix at Monza in 2006, Schumacher announced his retirement at the end of the season, only to make a stunning comeback with Mercedes in 2010. Sadly, for someone who achieved so much, Schumacher’s 2010-12 was lacklustre by his own exospheric standards.
We might assume Michael drives expensive Ferraris and other flashy ones, but he really doesn’t. He owns a Fiat 500 Abarth as a personal car and a Fiat Croma as a family car. A Ferrari FXX was a gift from Ferrari after he announced his retirement from Formula One.
The German great hasn’t been seen in public since he suffered severe brain injuries in a recreational skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013. Fans have struggled to come to terms with this icon’s health as Schumacher family took to maintain privacy for the F1’s most decorated driver. Michael, more than anyone, has the strength to pull through this. We’re all with you Michael. #KeepFighting
Welcome to ‘Nutty’s Infotainment. YAYS!’. And your time starts NOW!
Name the ski resort in French Alps where Michael Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a recreational activity on December 29, 2013.
Meribel
Michael Schumacher always carried with him an old gift from his wife on every race. He considered it as his lucky charm. What was it?
A beaded African Shamballa bracelet.
Disney’s animated movie Cars features a Ferrari F430. Who voiced it?
Michael Schumacher. It shares his name and success.
Which organisation recently launched a Michael Schumacher smartphone app which serves as a ‘virtual museum’ to celebrate his accomplishments?
Keep Fighting Foundation
At which track did Michael Schumacher sustain a double fracture on his right leg – an incident which left him out of the next 6 Grand Prix races?
Silverstone at British Grand Prix
Name the only player in the history of cricket to have taken more than 400 wickets and scored more than 5,000 runs in Tests, making him one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game. He has also played most innings in a career without being run out. He is also celebrating his 60th birthday today.
Kapil Dev.
Why is Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland banned in the Hunan province of China?
On the grounds that “animals should not use human language, and that it was disastrous to put animals and human beings on the same level.”
Name ‘The Maid of Orleans’ who was born this day in 1412. She was burned at the stake at the young age of nineteen.
Joan of Arc
What is Taphophobia?
Fear of being buried alive
What game is this?
(Answer next week. Answer to last week’s photo-quiz: Jose Rizal)
TRIBUTE: Michael Schumacher, Seven-time World Champion, turned 50 and Formula One and his fans payed tribute to the sport’s most successful driver.
