Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher; born 3 January 1969) is a German retired racing driver. He is a seven-time Formula One World Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year twice. He won two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before moving to Ferrari where he drove for eleven years. His time with Ferrari yielded five consecutive titles between 2000 and 2004...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionRace Car Driver
Date of Birth3 January 1969
CityHurth, Germany
CountryGermany
Nascar will certainly not be one of my challenges in the future.
I have to say it's been tough to leave the Ferrari family, which has been a big part of my career.
I like to share my life, and spend time with someone I love. That has worked 100 per cent with my wife.
I retired simply because I didn't have the passion and motivation anymore; I was tired. At the time I thought, 'Well, I had a great time, there is the end.' At some moment, there is the right time to call it an end.
I already tried that. Something heavy metal like. And sunglasses. But it didn't work; I went to the gas station and when I left the guy at the counter said, 'bye Mr Schumacher
I decided on a vision. I think I maybe join Toyota at the midpoint of a project, whose long-term goal is winning world championships. Also I have my big ambition, the drivers' world championship. That is not abandoned - entirely the opposite. I am young enough and motivated enough to make a new start in order to reach this goal.
I know what I am, and what I have to do in my profession, so I can handle the pressure. It's the way I think.
Psychologically speaking, it's very important to be in good shape. I work in a sport that requires you to react quickly and be in excellent shape. Besides, things don't get easier as you get older.
When you start out in a team, you have to get the teamwork going and then you get something back.
Mika Hakkinen was the best opponent (I've had) in terms of his quality, but the biggest admiration I had for him was we had 100% fight on track but a totally disciplined life off track. We respected each other highly and let each other live quietly.
Ferrari always tries to get the best possible drivers, and my fellow team members have always been highly promising people.
In sport there is never any moment that is the same as the other. I have been in Formula One for 12 years, and out of that I had one year with the perfect car.
If you imagine how many years the other guys have been in my position Im in now, they have been motivated to get back and challenge the leaders, ... Theres no reason not to be motivated and I look forward very much to challenging again.
I like working in a team, and at Ferrari there is always good cooperation.