Michael Schumacher

When one thinks of the hottest driver in Formula 1 racing, the first image to spring to mind likely isn’t a child in a go-kart. But, today, while few would question Michael Schumacher’s place as one of the greatest racecar drivers of all time, it wasn’t always so. Schumacher was given a head start in the world of auto racing. His father worked as a go-Kart mechanic in his native Germany, and before long, the young Michael Schumacher was tearing up the track as he pursued the hobby that would lead to a long and successful career.

Born in 1969, Schumacher was twelve when he first took to the track. Things started to get serious when an important sponsor spotted the talented young driver, and soon he was tearing up the track in Formula races throughout Europe. Entering his first races as an understudy, he quickly became his team’s regular driver.

The early 1990’s saw Michael Schumacher rack up a number of important wins all the way from Spain to Belgium. He posted an average five victories in major championships and was earning a reputation as a fierce competitor and hard worker. It was this same competitive streak that would land him in trouble and mar his reputation in the mid-90’s. Although he was not alone in doing so, it was discovered that banned technology was present in his vehicle. Specifically, FIA regulators uncovered software that would aid in the control of his vehicle. The widespread nature of the scandal and the inability of the regulatory body to prove definitively that the prohibited technology had actually been employed led to the matter being dropped.

After this incident, Michael Schumacher’s trademark smooth as butter handling of his racecar continued unimpeded, but he was to face a very difficult 1994 season, which saw the death of one of his heroes. Although he won the championship that year, it was bittersweet as he faced mounting criticism over a collision with one of his competitors—allegations of ramming would be traded between him and his competitors for years to follow.

In the late 90’s, following an initially disastrous switch to a Ferrari vehicle, things began to smooth out for Schumacher. In 1999, he faced a frustrating wait on the sidelines while recovering from a broken leg. Since then, he has enjoyed nearly unprecedented dominance of the sport.