#1 ·
Here’s a look at Schumacher's favorite races from every single season, handpicked by the man himself. Enjoy MONZA! 🙂
Monza 1991.
The first points on the board, and finally, that first bit of prize money.
Starting from 7th on the grid and fighting my way up to a 5th place finish... not exactly the podium we were hunting for, was it? Still, it’s a solid result considering the circumstances.
It’s his second GP overall, but his very first for Benetton—and he’s already walking away with his first DC points. Isn't it fascinating how quickly things can shift?
All of this follows an incredibly intense weekend at the Autodromo that left my nerves absolutely frayed. It’s quite a situation, isn't it? Just two weeks after his debut at Spa—which, if you recall, was funded by Mercedes-Benz while he was driving for Jordan—Schumacher has to navigate a breach in his contract clauses. To make matters even more complicated, Flavio Briatore has to figure out what to do with his other driver, Robert Morena, just to clear a seat for the young German. And let me tell you, the kid has nerves of steel. His physical conditioning is top-notch, too. He was actually able to hold off Mansell's aggressive lunges toward the end of the GP, finishing his very first real Grand Prix in the same lap as the winner. He even remarked, "I'd much rather you just put some fresh tires on me so I can run this race all over again." To add another layer to this story, on September 8th, the young German formally outclassed his teammate, the three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, during both qualifying and the race itself. This is also the race where Schumacher sees his first real paycheck in F1; a cool $20,000, thanks to a rather sophisticated bonus structure worked out by his manager, Willi Weber.
Spa 1992. Looking back at that era, you have to wonder how much of it was pure talent and how much was just having the right machinery under you. It’s one of those years that stays etched in your mind, isn't it?
It’s hard to believe it’s been seventeen years since the Jochen Massa era. Time really does have a way of slipping through your fingers, doesn't it? Looking back at that period, you can't help but wonder how much the sport has changed, or if we're all just chasing the same ghosts.
Starting from third on the grid and still managing to take the checkered flag in first? It’s quite a feat, isn't it?
It was one fulfilled dream—something straight out of a Hollywood scenario! On the legendary Arden circuit in Belgium where he made his debut just a year ago, Schumacher managed to clinch his very first GP victory. He did it in only his 18th start, which puts him just two races behind the great Senna in terms of youth; back then, he stood as the third youngest winner in history, trailing only Bruce McLaren and Jacky Ickx. But honestly, I don't think any of them were quite as composed as he was. Regarding that decisive 30th lap, Michael remarked: "When I briefly spun off the track, my teammate Martin Brundle passed me. I took a look at his tires and saw they were completely shot, almost finished. I figured mine must look just as bad. So, I thought, better get to the pits as soon as possible." That split-second decision by Schumacher secured him his first GP win, marking the first time a German driver had reached the top step since Graf Trips in 1961 and Jochen Massa in 1975. As for how it felt standing on that podium? He described it perfectly: "Heart pounding, laughter, tears—it was all happening at once!"
Looking back at Estoril 1993... does anyone else get a sense of déjà vu when they revisit that era? It was such a pivotal moment in racing history. You have to wonder, looking back through the lens of time, how much those specific turns shaped the legends we talk about today. It really makes you think about the sheer unpredictability of the sport during those years.
A triumph right in front of the world champion.
Starting from sixth on the grid and still managing to cross the line in first place? It’s quite the feat, isn't it?
Imagine Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost popping some champagne together after one of the most chaotic weekends Formula 1 has ever seen. It was pure madness. During practice, Schumacher was spinning out three different times; the car just wasn't balanced at all. By the time the warm-up rolled around, he was trailing the leaders by a massive two seconds. But Michael didn't quit. He stayed deep in the garage working alongside his mechanics—who, mind you, had been pulling an all-nighter—to fine-tune the car. He eventually hopped into the T-car, planned for two pit stops, and then, suddenly, there he was, leading the pack. "At that moment, I knew," he remarked, "I’d try to make it to the finish line with just a single tire change." And wouldn't you know it? That gutsy tactic paid off perfectly, much like that legendary moment back at Spa in '92. Even though Alain Prost officially secured his fourth world championship title on September 26th, Michael will forever be the hero of that specific weekend. Reflecting on the win, Schumacher put it this finely: "The first victory was great, but this one feels even better when I think about how we actually pulled it off."
Interlagos 1994.
Schumacher in Senna-Land
Starting from the back and crossing the line in first place—isn't there just something incredibly poetic about that kind of comeback?
Senna and Schumacher are sitting right there on the front row for the start. Are we really about to witness this duel between them?
"The whole season," the Brazilian legend had predicted just before his home GP. Even Schumacher couldn't help but smile when reflecting on those "years of racing against Senna." But then, God took Senna less than two months later, dealing Formula 1 its most devastating blow as a sport. In that final home GP, the Brazilian driver went flying off the track following a driving error. Once Schumacher managed to pull ahead of Damon Hill in the second Williams, his mindset shifted instantly: "Now, I just have to bring this race home, as conservatively as possible." To lead with such absolute dominance felt strange to Michael, though he certainly grew accustomed to it as the season progressed. And then, the checkered flag, the champagne. Schumacher remarked, "Without a second thought, this is my most beautiful and important victory." Even Willi Weber, Michael's manager, noted how remarkable it was: "To hand the great Senna such a defeat on his home turf is truly unique." Sadly, the Brazilian would never again get the chance to settle the score. There was another significant moment that March 27th, though; a young talent named Rubens Barrichello finished the race in an unexpectedly high fourth place.
Spa 1995.
Capturing life through the lens, even when things get a little wet.
Starting from P16 and ending up on the top step of the podium... isn't that just the ultimate racing dream?
That classic Belgian microclimate really threw everything for a loop. Thanks to the unpredictable weather, both Ferraris ended up securing the front two spots on the grid, while Schumi was sitting way back in 16th in his Benetton. At that point, Schumi himself was being quite realistic, isn't he? He remarked, "Maybe I can break into the top six, or at most grab a podium, but a win is out of the question." Then, Formula 1 delivers a total Hollywood scenario. We see Schumacher driving like an absolute beast through the heaviest downpours, perfectly timing his pit stops during the Safety Car phase, while his rival, Damon Hill, seems to hit the pits at exactly the wrong moment every single time. It was pure chaos—that wild mix of sun and rain—as Schumacher secured the win on August 27th. Even Niki Lauda couldn't help but chime in, saying, "You couldn't drive any better than that!" But, of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Just like last year at Spa, old problems resurfaced, and the threat of disqualification loomed over the result. Williams actually filed a protest, complaining about Schumacher's "zig-zagging" on the track. In the end, though, the protests and accusations were dismissed. With that hurdle cleared, the path toward his second title is wide open.
Barcelona 1996.
A demonstration out in the rain... you have to wonder, doesn't it? There’s something almost poetic about it, though I suppose it’s much less romantic when you're actually standing there getting soaked to the bone. It makes you think about the sheer grit required to stay put when the weather turns sour. Is it passion, or just pure stubbornness? Perhaps a bit of both.
Third place on the podium, but still sitting at the top of the standings. Is there any better feeling than that?
It’s been six races since Schumacher made that massive move over to Ferrari, and yet, we’re still waiting on that elusive first win. Is it just me, or does it feel like the breakthrough is taking much longer than anyone anticipated?
The Scuderia isn't expected to really find its footing until mid-summer, but that’s all about to change on June 2nd in Barcelona. Even though Schumacher had secured pole position at Imola and Monte Carlo earlier that year, he found himself starting third this time, tucked behind both Williams cars. But did that stop him? Not even slightly. He went out there and snatched another victory, proving his own point that strategy is the absolute deciding factor. Just moments before the lights went out, Schumacher actually turned to the Spanish King and remarked that Barcelona felt like one of the safest tracks on the calendar. Looking back, most people would say thank goodness he said that, considering what followed was one of the most dangerous races in Formula 1 history. Despite a sluggish start and a nasty issue with two cylinders, Schumi delivered a masterclass. It was easily one of the most magnificent drives ever seen. He later admitted, "You can't see anything; you just have to drive by instinct." After several terrifying excursions off the track, he added with a bit of a chill, "It could have easily caught me too." Watching him push a malfunctioning car to the absolute limit—maintaining a full minute's lead while dodging constant danger—was nothing short of mesmerizing for everyone watching. That day, Schumacher truly cemented his reputation as the ultimate "Rain Man."
Suzuka 1997.
Pure teamwork at its finest.
Starting from second on the grid, but finishing first across the line. What a way to do it.
The championship standings heading into the penultimate GP in Japan are looking absolutely wild right now. Things have taken a massive turn because Schumacher dropped out of the race in...
After that collision between Fisichella and Ralf right at the start of the Nürburgring, Jacques Villeneuve managed to pull away and take the win. That puts him ahead in the standings, 77 to 68. It really leaves Michael in a bit of a tight spot, doesn't it? If he wants to keep his championship dreams alive, he absolutely has to secure a victory on October 12th. It feels like the Ferrari strategy is already being mapped out down to the last detail; they’re looking at some incredibly tight team coordination with Eddie Irvine to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Shortly after the start, Schumacher pulls into the pits looking for some guidance from his crew. Meanwhile, Irvine had been leading the pack, but he was left hanging for quite a while waiting for that call from the pit wall. In a bit of a chaotic sequence, the Irishman lets Schumacher through, but ends up blocking Villeneuve instead. Ultimately, Schumacher takes the win, while the Canadian—looking visibly frustrated—finishes fifth only to be disqualified later on. "Before Suzuka," Schumacher remarked, "my chances were only good on paper; now, it’s fifty-fifty." And that was all before the accident at Jerez...
Hungaroring 1998.
A quick question for Radio-Schumi.
Starting from third on the grid, but crossing the line in first? Is there anything better?
In Canada, Schumacher is starting from only second on the grid, tucked right behind those two McLarens—Hakkinen's and Coulthard's. Honestly, at this point, the McLarens look absolutely untouchable. But then, just when you think they have it in the bag, things start to go sideways for them;
Mika is struggling with some suspension issues, and David just can't seem to maintain his previous pace once he hits that third set of tires. Inside the Ferrari garage, the brilliant Ross Brawn feels that sudden, unmistakable urge to go for the throat. He decides right then to scrap the two-stop strategy and pivot to three. Of course, pulling off a move like that requires someone with "Superman" levels of talent behind the wheel. "Michael," Brawn comes over the radio, "we can win this if we change tactics. Can you pull a 25-second gap over the next 19 laps? That’s exactly what we need to make an extra pit stop work." Schumacher doesn't hesitate. He nods, mentally, and proceeds to clock a 25.2-second lead over those 19 laps. He exits the pits nine seconds ahead of Coulthard, riding on fresh rubber to secure yet another victory that was perfectly logical, yet absolutely mind-blowing. They were arguably the fastest 19 laps of his entire career. Or, as Schumacher himself would put it, the most important.
Sepang 1999.
A Super-Strong Comeback
1. starting position, 2. finish
The debut of a brand-new track and a truly magnificent return; Schumacher is back in the mix, marking his first appearance since that accident at Silverstone. While securing the world championship title isn't in the cards for him anymore, he can certainly help his teammate, Eddie Irvine. "That was my promise to Ferrari," he said. During qualifying, Schumacher was the only driver to clock in under 1:40. Then came the race, where he drove with a massive three-and-a-half second lead, cruising two laps ahead of the pack. "See how much speed I still have?" he remarked. Then, quite unexpectedly early on, he lets Irvine through and holds up Hakkinen. He does the same during the second pit stop, exiting just ahead of Irvine only to let him pass immediately.
Schumacher, who is often labeled an egoist, proves himself on this October 17th to be the ultimate team player, essentially gifting the win to his teammate. "Michael isn't just the best number one, he's also the best number two," Irvine told the room. "Michael deserves this win, not me." But regardless of all that, the 1999 title ultimately goes to Hakkinen.
Monza 1991.
The first points on the board, and finally, that first bit of prize money.
Starting from 7th on the grid and fighting my way up to a 5th place finish... not exactly the podium we were hunting for, was it? Still, it’s a solid result considering the circumstances.
It’s his second GP overall, but his very first for Benetton—and he’s already walking away with his first DC points. Isn't it fascinating how quickly things can shift?
All of this follows an incredibly intense weekend at the Autodromo that left my nerves absolutely frayed. It’s quite a situation, isn't it? Just two weeks after his debut at Spa—which, if you recall, was funded by Mercedes-Benz while he was driving for Jordan—Schumacher has to navigate a breach in his contract clauses. To make matters even more complicated, Flavio Briatore has to figure out what to do with his other driver, Robert Morena, just to clear a seat for the young German. And let me tell you, the kid has nerves of steel. His physical conditioning is top-notch, too. He was actually able to hold off Mansell's aggressive lunges toward the end of the GP, finishing his very first real Grand Prix in the same lap as the winner. He even remarked, "I'd much rather you just put some fresh tires on me so I can run this race all over again." To add another layer to this story, on September 8th, the young German formally outclassed his teammate, the three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, during both qualifying and the race itself. This is also the race where Schumacher sees his first real paycheck in F1; a cool $20,000, thanks to a rather sophisticated bonus structure worked out by his manager, Willi Weber.
Spa 1992. Looking back at that era, you have to wonder how much of it was pure talent and how much was just having the right machinery under you. It’s one of those years that stays etched in your mind, isn't it?
It’s hard to believe it’s been seventeen years since the Jochen Massa era. Time really does have a way of slipping through your fingers, doesn't it? Looking back at that period, you can't help but wonder how much the sport has changed, or if we're all just chasing the same ghosts.
Starting from third on the grid and still managing to take the checkered flag in first? It’s quite a feat, isn't it?
It was one fulfilled dream—something straight out of a Hollywood scenario! On the legendary Arden circuit in Belgium where he made his debut just a year ago, Schumacher managed to clinch his very first GP victory. He did it in only his 18th start, which puts him just two races behind the great Senna in terms of youth; back then, he stood as the third youngest winner in history, trailing only Bruce McLaren and Jacky Ickx. But honestly, I don't think any of them were quite as composed as he was. Regarding that decisive 30th lap, Michael remarked: "When I briefly spun off the track, my teammate Martin Brundle passed me. I took a look at his tires and saw they were completely shot, almost finished. I figured mine must look just as bad. So, I thought, better get to the pits as soon as possible." That split-second decision by Schumacher secured him his first GP win, marking the first time a German driver had reached the top step since Graf Trips in 1961 and Jochen Massa in 1975. As for how it felt standing on that podium? He described it perfectly: "Heart pounding, laughter, tears—it was all happening at once!"
Looking back at Estoril 1993... does anyone else get a sense of déjà vu when they revisit that era? It was such a pivotal moment in racing history. You have to wonder, looking back through the lens of time, how much those specific turns shaped the legends we talk about today. It really makes you think about the sheer unpredictability of the sport during those years.
A triumph right in front of the world champion.
Starting from sixth on the grid and still managing to cross the line in first place? It’s quite the feat, isn't it?
Imagine Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost popping some champagne together after one of the most chaotic weekends Formula 1 has ever seen. It was pure madness. During practice, Schumacher was spinning out three different times; the car just wasn't balanced at all. By the time the warm-up rolled around, he was trailing the leaders by a massive two seconds. But Michael didn't quit. He stayed deep in the garage working alongside his mechanics—who, mind you, had been pulling an all-nighter—to fine-tune the car. He eventually hopped into the T-car, planned for two pit stops, and then, suddenly, there he was, leading the pack. "At that moment, I knew," he remarked, "I’d try to make it to the finish line with just a single tire change." And wouldn't you know it? That gutsy tactic paid off perfectly, much like that legendary moment back at Spa in '92. Even though Alain Prost officially secured his fourth world championship title on September 26th, Michael will forever be the hero of that specific weekend. Reflecting on the win, Schumacher put it this finely: "The first victory was great, but this one feels even better when I think about how we actually pulled it off."
Interlagos 1994.
Schumacher in Senna-Land
Starting from the back and crossing the line in first place—isn't there just something incredibly poetic about that kind of comeback?
Senna and Schumacher are sitting right there on the front row for the start. Are we really about to witness this duel between them?
"The whole season," the Brazilian legend had predicted just before his home GP. Even Schumacher couldn't help but smile when reflecting on those "years of racing against Senna." But then, God took Senna less than two months later, dealing Formula 1 its most devastating blow as a sport. In that final home GP, the Brazilian driver went flying off the track following a driving error. Once Schumacher managed to pull ahead of Damon Hill in the second Williams, his mindset shifted instantly: "Now, I just have to bring this race home, as conservatively as possible." To lead with such absolute dominance felt strange to Michael, though he certainly grew accustomed to it as the season progressed. And then, the checkered flag, the champagne. Schumacher remarked, "Without a second thought, this is my most beautiful and important victory." Even Willi Weber, Michael's manager, noted how remarkable it was: "To hand the great Senna such a defeat on his home turf is truly unique." Sadly, the Brazilian would never again get the chance to settle the score. There was another significant moment that March 27th, though; a young talent named Rubens Barrichello finished the race in an unexpectedly high fourth place.
Spa 1995.
Capturing life through the lens, even when things get a little wet.
Starting from P16 and ending up on the top step of the podium... isn't that just the ultimate racing dream?
That classic Belgian microclimate really threw everything for a loop. Thanks to the unpredictable weather, both Ferraris ended up securing the front two spots on the grid, while Schumi was sitting way back in 16th in his Benetton. At that point, Schumi himself was being quite realistic, isn't he? He remarked, "Maybe I can break into the top six, or at most grab a podium, but a win is out of the question." Then, Formula 1 delivers a total Hollywood scenario. We see Schumacher driving like an absolute beast through the heaviest downpours, perfectly timing his pit stops during the Safety Car phase, while his rival, Damon Hill, seems to hit the pits at exactly the wrong moment every single time. It was pure chaos—that wild mix of sun and rain—as Schumacher secured the win on August 27th. Even Niki Lauda couldn't help but chime in, saying, "You couldn't drive any better than that!" But, of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Just like last year at Spa, old problems resurfaced, and the threat of disqualification loomed over the result. Williams actually filed a protest, complaining about Schumacher's "zig-zagging" on the track. In the end, though, the protests and accusations were dismissed. With that hurdle cleared, the path toward his second title is wide open.
Barcelona 1996.
A demonstration out in the rain... you have to wonder, doesn't it? There’s something almost poetic about it, though I suppose it’s much less romantic when you're actually standing there getting soaked to the bone. It makes you think about the sheer grit required to stay put when the weather turns sour. Is it passion, or just pure stubbornness? Perhaps a bit of both.
Third place on the podium, but still sitting at the top of the standings. Is there any better feeling than that?
It’s been six races since Schumacher made that massive move over to Ferrari, and yet, we’re still waiting on that elusive first win. Is it just me, or does it feel like the breakthrough is taking much longer than anyone anticipated?
The Scuderia isn't expected to really find its footing until mid-summer, but that’s all about to change on June 2nd in Barcelona. Even though Schumacher had secured pole position at Imola and Monte Carlo earlier that year, he found himself starting third this time, tucked behind both Williams cars. But did that stop him? Not even slightly. He went out there and snatched another victory, proving his own point that strategy is the absolute deciding factor. Just moments before the lights went out, Schumacher actually turned to the Spanish King and remarked that Barcelona felt like one of the safest tracks on the calendar. Looking back, most people would say thank goodness he said that, considering what followed was one of the most dangerous races in Formula 1 history. Despite a sluggish start and a nasty issue with two cylinders, Schumi delivered a masterclass. It was easily one of the most magnificent drives ever seen. He later admitted, "You can't see anything; you just have to drive by instinct." After several terrifying excursions off the track, he added with a bit of a chill, "It could have easily caught me too." Watching him push a malfunctioning car to the absolute limit—maintaining a full minute's lead while dodging constant danger—was nothing short of mesmerizing for everyone watching. That day, Schumacher truly cemented his reputation as the ultimate "Rain Man."
Suzuka 1997.
Pure teamwork at its finest.
Starting from second on the grid, but finishing first across the line. What a way to do it.
The championship standings heading into the penultimate GP in Japan are looking absolutely wild right now. Things have taken a massive turn because Schumacher dropped out of the race in...
After that collision between Fisichella and Ralf right at the start of the Nürburgring, Jacques Villeneuve managed to pull away and take the win. That puts him ahead in the standings, 77 to 68. It really leaves Michael in a bit of a tight spot, doesn't it? If he wants to keep his championship dreams alive, he absolutely has to secure a victory on October 12th. It feels like the Ferrari strategy is already being mapped out down to the last detail; they’re looking at some incredibly tight team coordination with Eddie Irvine to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Shortly after the start, Schumacher pulls into the pits looking for some guidance from his crew. Meanwhile, Irvine had been leading the pack, but he was left hanging for quite a while waiting for that call from the pit wall. In a bit of a chaotic sequence, the Irishman lets Schumacher through, but ends up blocking Villeneuve instead. Ultimately, Schumacher takes the win, while the Canadian—looking visibly frustrated—finishes fifth only to be disqualified later on. "Before Suzuka," Schumacher remarked, "my chances were only good on paper; now, it’s fifty-fifty." And that was all before the accident at Jerez...
Hungaroring 1998.
A quick question for Radio-Schumi.
Starting from third on the grid, but crossing the line in first? Is there anything better?
In Canada, Schumacher is starting from only second on the grid, tucked right behind those two McLarens—Hakkinen's and Coulthard's. Honestly, at this point, the McLarens look absolutely untouchable. But then, just when you think they have it in the bag, things start to go sideways for them;
Mika is struggling with some suspension issues, and David just can't seem to maintain his previous pace once he hits that third set of tires. Inside the Ferrari garage, the brilliant Ross Brawn feels that sudden, unmistakable urge to go for the throat. He decides right then to scrap the two-stop strategy and pivot to three. Of course, pulling off a move like that requires someone with "Superman" levels of talent behind the wheel. "Michael," Brawn comes over the radio, "we can win this if we change tactics. Can you pull a 25-second gap over the next 19 laps? That’s exactly what we need to make an extra pit stop work." Schumacher doesn't hesitate. He nods, mentally, and proceeds to clock a 25.2-second lead over those 19 laps. He exits the pits nine seconds ahead of Coulthard, riding on fresh rubber to secure yet another victory that was perfectly logical, yet absolutely mind-blowing. They were arguably the fastest 19 laps of his entire career. Or, as Schumacher himself would put it, the most important.
Sepang 1999.
A Super-Strong Comeback
1. starting position, 2. finish
The debut of a brand-new track and a truly magnificent return; Schumacher is back in the mix, marking his first appearance since that accident at Silverstone. While securing the world championship title isn't in the cards for him anymore, he can certainly help his teammate, Eddie Irvine. "That was my promise to Ferrari," he said. During qualifying, Schumacher was the only driver to clock in under 1:40. Then came the race, where he drove with a massive three-and-a-half second lead, cruising two laps ahead of the pack. "See how much speed I still have?" he remarked. Then, quite unexpectedly early on, he lets Irvine through and holds up Hakkinen. He does the same during the second pit stop, exiting just ahead of Irvine only to let him pass immediately.
Schumacher, who is often labeled an egoist, proves himself on this October 17th to be the ultimate team player, essentially gifting the win to his teammate. "Michael isn't just the best number one, he's also the best number two," Irvine told the room. "Michael deserves this win, not me." But regardless of all that, the 1999 title ultimately goes to Hakkinen.