Michael Schumacher is a German Formula 1 racing driver who is widely regarded as the most successful driver in the history of the sport. He won the Formula 1 World Championship seven times, holds numerous all-time records, and is also the first German driver to become Formula 1 World Champion.

Michael Schumacher was born on January 3, 1969, in Hürth Hermülheim near Cologne, Germany, as the first son of Rolf Schumacher and Elisabeth Schumacher. His family wanted both of their sons to become racing drivers. His younger brother, Ralf Schumacher (born June 30, 1975), also followed the same path and became a Formula 1 driver.

Schumacher began his motorsport career at the age of four and a half by driving a homemade open-top mini kart built by his father. At the age of twelve, he obtained his first racing license and between 1984 and 1987 won several German and European karting championships, including the Formula König Series. In 1988, he moved into Formula Ford and then competed in the German Formula 3 Championship, which he won in 1990.

In 1991, Schumacher joined Mercedes’ junior racing program and competed in the World Endurance Championship with the Sauber-Mercedes C291. He achieved a victory in Mexico City and also participated in Japanese Formula 3000 and the German Touring Car Championship during the early 1990s.

Michael Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, replacing Bertrand Gachot at the Jordan-Ford team after Gachot was imprisoned following an altercation in London. Despite never having raced at Spa-Francorchamps before and only completing one reconnaissance lap on a bicycle, Schumacher qualified seventh, outperforming his highly experienced teammate Andrea de Cesaris. His race ended early due to mechanical failure.

Following this impressive debut, Schumacher immediately signed with the Benetton-Ford team. In his first full Formula 1 season, he finished third in the drivers’ championship. His first Grand Prix victory came at the 1993 Portuguese Grand Prix.

Schumacher claimed his first Formula 1 World Championship in the 1994 season. After the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the San Marino Grand Prix, the championship battle continued between Schumacher and Williams driver Damon Hill. After a dramatic and controversial season finale at the Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher secured the title by a single point.

In 1995, with Benetton switching to Renault engines, Schumacher dominated the season by winning nine races and securing his second consecutive championship, finishing 33 points ahead of Hill.

In 1996, Schumacher signed with Ferrari. Although the team was not yet dominant, he won races in Spain, Belgium, and Italy, finishing third in the championship. He continued to challenge for titles in 1997 and 1998, but a leg-breaking accident at the 1999 British Grand Prix sidelined him for six races.

The year 2000 marked a historic milestone as Michael Schumacher defeated Mika Häkkinen to win his third world title and Ferrari’s first championship since 1979. Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher achieved unprecedented dominance, winning five consecutive championships with Ferrari and setting numerous records, including most wins, most championships, most points, most pole positions, fastest laps, and podium finishes.

Rule changes introduced in 2005 aimed to reduce Ferrari and Schumacher’s dominance. That season was won by Fernando Alonso, prompting Schumacher to remark: “It is difficult to fight a war when you do not have the same weapons.”

Recognized for his sporting excellence, Schumacher won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2002 and 2004 and earned an estimated annual income of $80 million. He was also known for his philanthropy, donating millions through UNESCO for projects including a school in Senegal, a clinic in Sarajevo, and a center for street children in Peru. He also donated $10 million to victims of the 2004 tsunami.

Over a 19-year Formula 1 career, Michael Schumacher won 91 races and claimed seven world championships. After retiring in 2006, he returned with Mercedes in 2010 but managed only one race victory over three seasons before retiring permanently at the end of 2012.

Schumacher married Corinna Betsch on August 1, 1995. The couple has two children: Gina-Maria Schumacher (born January 17, 1997) and Mick Schumacher (born March 22, 1999). The family resides in Vufflens, Switzerland.

On December 30, 2013, Michael Schumacher suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps. After emerging from a coma, he began a long rehabilitation process at his home in Switzerland. Former Formula 1 driver Philippe Streiff later stated that Schumacher was paralyzed and suffered from memory and speech difficulties.

By October 2015, it was reported that approximately £12 million had been spent on Schumacher’s medical treatment. To cover these expenses, his family sold a holiday home in Norway and his private jet. A dedicated medical team of around fifteen professionals continues to support his ongoing recovery in Geneva, Switzerland.

Source: Biyografiler.com