Michael Schumacher

[Emmcee 0]

With so much bad news about him lately, lets make today's driver him. Lets talk about his fantastic career, we got to see. What a driver, some might not tolerate his on track antics and yes I do Beleive he pushed the envelope but IMO, was he any dirtier than senna? I think not, you can be a good clean driver and be successful but to truly dominate, you need a ruthless streak. Senna had it, Prost,Mansell, they all bumped each other of in the day, lets not forget, Schumi cut his teeth amongst these on track "bullies" and most times could go toe to toe with them in a much inferior car. If I had to pick a memory or few that most stike me about Schumi. It would have to be these 5 wins and in no order.

1995 Belgian gp. What a drive from the back of the field (I think he started 15/16th) fought his way back and stayed out on slicks in the wet while hill pitted and that secured the win.

1996 Spanish Gp. Another heck of a drive to strangle that crap Ferrari around that freezing cold rainy Barcelona circuit, to win by nearly a minute. Classic move around the outside of villeneuve.

1994 Spanish Gp. Looked like it would be schumis 5th straight win of the 94 season until gearbox gremlins struck. Hill eventually caught up and passed Michael, but a monster effort he put in to still bring that Benetton home in second stuck in 5th gear.

1998 Hungarian Gp. This would have to be up there as one of his best if not best win of his career IMO. He was in third behind Hakkinen and Coulthard who where both on a 2 stop strategy. The Mclarens had been super quick all weekend so if Schumi had any chance of beating them, it meant a third stop. He had to find 21 seconds in 19 laps to pull of his third stop and take the lead. He did so and went on to win.

2000 Japanese Gp. This was the race that broke the seal if you will on the Ferrari championship draught. What a drive, basically a full race at qualifying speed, everything just fell into his lap and drive with such precision, with the whole weight of the world on his shoulders. When he crossed the line and I heard his emotion, I almost shed a year myslef, as I had been in these exact journey with Michael, felt the highs and lows with Michael, all from my lounge room chair.

So god bless you Michael for giving me memories of a sport that I now share with my two young boys and are developing a passion for it which is fantastic. I can proudly say that I witnessed history in the making with Michael Schumacher. Wheather you love him or loathe him, he is without doubt the most succeful driver in history and IMO, only a bees d!ck between him and Senna on a skill level. Thanks for reading, I hope this cheers up the Schumi fans a bit and just take time to remember why we love this man much.

Here's a nice video to try lift your spirits.

[dribbler 6]

Everything that needs to be said has been said. I admired his work ethic, his passion, determination and even those dubious incidents, because it told you everything about his intent and desire.

I marvelled at his dominance, and whilst I see now (through what Vettel is doing) why this would have been dull for many, I felt nothing but awe and a real feeling that I was witnessing history.

It was no mean feat to achieve all he did whilst being a Father and husband and i personally find that truly inspiring.

I think even the most hardened anti-Schumacher fan would have appreciated his new found humility when he returned with Mercedes. Whilst looking more humane and willing to accept his weaknesses, it was surely a consequence of being away from the circus nod having time to reflect. I also believe this introspective analysis contributed to him losing his edge. That, and the fact that age takes no prisoners.

For me, he will remain a flawed but fascinating individual. I invested my faith in him early in 1992. He delivered so much after that I was filled with a satisfied smugness for deciding that this man was a champion in waiting.That's why I loved and continue to love him so much.

I desperately hope he survives with a quality of life good enough to enjoy his fortune, his surroundings and that beautiful family.

[Emmcee 0]

Everything that needs to be said has been said. I admired his work ethic, his passion, determination and even those dubious incidents, because it told you everything about his intent and desire.

I marvelled at his dominance, and whilst I see now (through what Vettel is doing) why this would have been dull for many, I felt nothing but awe and a real feeling that I was witnessing history.

It was no mean feat to achieve all he did whilst being a Father and husband and i personally find that truly inspiring.

I think even the most hardened anti-Schumacher fan would have appreciated his new found humility when he returned with Mercedes. Whilst looking more humane and willing to accept his weaknesses, it was surely a consequence of being away from the circus nod having time to reflect. I also believe this introspective analysis contributed to him losing his edge. That, and the fact that age takes no prisoners.

For me, he will remain a flawed but fascinating individual. I invested my faith in him early in 1992. He delivered so much after that I was filled with a satisfied smugness for deciding that this man was a champion in waiting.That's why I loved and continue to love him so much.

I desperately hope he survives with a quality of life good enough to enjoy his fortune, his surroundings and that beautiful family.

Well said, I think you touched on exactly how I felt watching him, and yes those "incidents" just proove how hungry and how demanding of himself he was to deliver. He would drive with this aura around him that made his red car just simply special. I've always admired his work ethic and his desire to drive himself, car and team to perfection not just once but for several years at a time. Schumachers beleif in himself was incredible only ayrton was another that I saw with so much self confidence on the circuit. Pure pace was epic when needed and often for several laps. To watch him leave Benetton for Ferrari i was going "you idiot" and then watching him turn that miserable team around to the most dominate force in the history of Formula one, I don't think the scale of success could be implemented by anybody in any sport.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

You could write a whole book on schumacher, when I was younger I despised him but now that I'm older and wiser I can appreciate how good he was.

I won't repeat what people have already said, I agree with it. Athough the 'incidents' showed his intent/desire/ruthlessness etc, I still think that deliberately ramming a rival and parking on circuit are not justifiable at all.

[Emmcee 0]

You could write a whole book on schumacher, when I was younger I despised him but now that I'm older and wiser I can appreciate how good he was.

I won't repeat what people have already said, I agree with it. Athough the 'incidents' showed his intent/desire/ruthlessness etc, I still think that deliberately ramming a rival and parking on circuit are not justifiable at all.

I understand that the "newer" viewers to formula one cant comprehend "ramming" but iam sure you have heard of all the ramming incidents with Senna and Prost deliberately crashing into each other and such. Prost,Mansell,Senna,Piquet,Schumacher. They all did it and on purpose to. Heck there is even a fight between Nelson Piquet and Elio Salazar if you havnt seen it. So back in the day, this was just part of wheel to wheel racing. Mind you the cars back then were a little more solid than today's rockets. It's hard to get rid of these so called "dirty" driving tactics, when you were raised and cut your teeth in this style of racing. See when Schumi was on his limit when he was younger he experienced these wheel bashing a incidents. So now as time goes by he can mask those driving techniques but when he is put in that position on the limit like he was when younger, his instincts are going to cut in and unfortunately since he cut his teeth in bif and barge, he will do it again without realising.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

I see your point but nobody else rammed their opposition (except senna who although brilliant was a tiny bit mental lol), and all the drivers would've experienced the argy-bargy nature of karting and formula ford, but only schumacher turned sideways to take out someone who was about to win the WDC.

(Obviously what I'm talking about is different to wheel-banging which is fine and great to watch)

[Emmcee 0]

I see your point but nobody else rammed their opposition (except senna who although brilliant was a tiny bit mental lol), and all the drivers would've experienced the argy-bargy nature of karting and formula ford, but only schumacher turned sideways to take out someone who was about to win the WDC.

(Obviously what I'm talking about is different to wheel-banging which is fine and great to watch)

What about Prost turning in on Senna at Suzuka? Senna ramming Prost of in ther Ferrari the next year and admitting it was on purpose? What about Piquet and Salazar coming together and punching on at the side of the circuit, what about Damon Hill deliberately ramming Schumacher up the back end in Monza 95, what about Coulthard deliberately swerving infront one Schumi in Belgium 98 in the rain. There has been plenty of these incidents. Schumi isn't the only one to blame and IMO wasn't as blatant about it as some were either. At the end of the day, he simply was just that much better than his competition so any f##k up was pounced upon, look at them now, if they hated Schumi as much as they led on like they did back in the day, he wouldn't be flooded with support from fellow drivers, including ones he had these so called "incidents" with. Just shows you it's all a mental game.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

What about Prost turning in on Senna at Suzuka? Senna ramming Prost of in ther Ferrari the next year and admitting it was on purpose? What about Piquet and Salazar coming together and punching on at the side of the circuit, what about Damon Hill deliberately ramming Schumacher up the back end in Monza 95, what about Coulthard deliberately swerving infront one Schumi in Belgium 98 in the rain. There has been plenty of these incidents. Schumi isn't the only one to blame and IMO wasn't as blatant about it as some were either. At the end of the day, he simply was just that much better than his competition so any f##k up was pounced upon, look at them now, if they hated Schumi as much as they led on like they did back in the day, he wouldn't be flooded with support from fellow drivers, including ones he had these so called "incidents" with. Just shows you it's all a mental game.

Monza 95 - I don't think anyone would agree Hill deliberately crashed into him, he just c0cked up badly (by accident)! Similar to silverstone '95.

Spa 98 - again you don't seriously think DC did that on purpose do you?

Whereas Adelaide '94 and Jerez '97 are quite blatant deliberate crashes. I'm not excusing senna & prost, their actions for me are stains on their reputation also. All 3 of these guys were incredible drivers but should never have rammed anyone.

He certainly has massive respect amongst the drivers, the kind of respect Seb can only dream of (currently). Damon Hill has always said he knows schuey rammed him on purpose in Adelaide but still has huge respect for him although I doubt they exchange christmas cards lol

[Emmcee 0]

No me niether lol. Yeah I do think spa 98 was delibrate. You think about it, it was basically the start of the Schumi and dc rivalry. Dc would have been told on the radio Schumi was coming and dc would know with his experience which side Schumi would pass on. Soon as Schumi goes to pull out, so does dc and BANG. Schumi also knew it was on purpose that's why he lost it the way he did. It would have made him leader in the championship if he did win that race to. Jerez IMO was more blatant than Adelaide. Atleast in Adelaide it looked like he was just coming back to close the door in Hill face, I would've done the same thing, Hill also went half of the circuit in an attempt to pass Schumi aswell. But Jerez 97 was a bit dirty Michael. Like I said earlier, his instincts would have taken over and made him do that, if you watch the onboard camera he turns in on villeneuve in instinct, realises he has f##ked up, turns away for a split second and then goes nah iam here now lets do this and turns in, epic fail and disqualified from the standings. That IMO is his only "dirty" move. Monza I think Hill did it delibrate, he knows his breaking points his not stupid, he didnt put a wheel on the grass or anything, so IMO highly unlikely he out braked himself as he would allow for earlier braking following the gaggle of cars he and Schumi where behind. Plus Hill had nothing to loose he was miles behind in the point standings, I think it was just a pay back for what happened 6 months earlier.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

I really didnt think anyone thought DC crashed into Schu deliberately at Spa '98, I'm surprised!

Do you not count the monaco-parking-episode as a dirty move?

Now edging Rubens towards the brick wall a couple of years ago forcing Rubens to back off (catalunya I think), that's a move which shows 'you aint getting past me without a major fight' - and I have no problem with it. But turning in on someone, there's a reason why it's disallowed in the rule book!

[Emmcee 0]

I really didnt think anyone thought DC crashed into Schu deliberately at Spa '98, I'm surprised!

Do you not count the monaco-parking-episode as a dirty move?

Now edging Rubens towards the brick wall a couple of years ago forcing Rubens to back off (catalunya I think), that's a move which shows 'you aint getting past me without a major fight' - and I have no problem with it. But turning in on someone, there's a reason why it's disallowed in the rule book!

Monaco is a grey area simply because only Michael will ever know that one. You can say this and that but did he do it on purpose or did it really die and IMO it looked like he tries to carry the momentum up the road to park it then it just dies on the circuit. That's how I see it. Adelaide 94 yes he made a mistake on the previous corner but honestly if you were in his position fighting for the title, you wouldn't let Hill though either would you? I know I wouldn't, just looked worse because he was launched in the air, why does everyone forget Hill went half of the circuit to attempt this passing move so IMO its 50/50 on that one. As for turning in, come on man how's my times do we see this? Massa on Lewis and visa versa. Mate turning happens all the time and is hardly delt with appropriately. Only when the title is on the line and the whole world is watching. Jerez 97 was dirty aswell but like I said before, it was his instinct that got him in that situation and he just acted on it the wrong way and it back fired big time.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Monaco is a grey area simply because only Michael will ever know that one. You can say this and that but did he do it on purpose or did it really die and IMO it looked like he tries to carry the momentum up the road to park it then it just dies on the circuit. That's how I see it. Adelaide 94 yes he made a mistake on the previous corner but honestly if you were in his position fighting for the title, you wouldn't let Hill though either would you? I know I wouldn't, just looked worse because he was launched in the air, why does everyone forget Hill went half of the circuit to attempt this passing move so IMO its 50/50 on that one. As for turning in, come on man how's my times do we see this? Massa on Lewis and visa versa. Mate turning happens all the time and is hardly delt with appropriately. Only when the title is on the line and the whole world is watching. Jerez 97 was dirty aswell but like I said before, it was his instinct that got him in that situation and he just acted on it the wrong way and it back fired big time.

I should clarify that when I say 'turning in' I mean deliberately turning into the side of another car in order to deliberately hit them, rather than the usual scenario of turning in thinking that it's your line and you're entitled to it (hope that makes sense).

Monaco '06 correct me if mistaken but I dont think Schuey even put up much resistance when given the penalty, and I thought it was pretty much cut & dry in the world's eyes that he'd done it on purpose.

I agree that it's instinct and ruthlessness but I still think it puts a few 'stains' on the reputation.

When I've been go-karting, which is not quite as important as an f1 championship (only just though lol) I admit that even I have probably cut people up or bumped them to stop them getting past, but I've been penalised for it and rightly so. It shows his desire to win at all costs, but it's still wrong.

[Emmcee 0]

You points are valid, but I think we won't agree on this because calling him dirty would be like calling senna, Prost, Mansell, lauda the same. Totally different style and era of racing, schumis tactics would have been alot more tolerated if he did it back when he was racing these guys bar lauda of course, I see where your coming from though.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

We might as well carry on fighting though just for something to do during the winter. Or summer to you. Still can't comprehend the idea of christmas being in the summer. Half my school mates seem to have moved to australia and love it there. I've never been. There's no way I could cope with the flight!

Hmm what shall we fight about? The Ashes? Actually let's not, I don't have much ammo for that one.

Lleyton Hewitt won a tennis tournament for the first time since 2010 the other day, congratulations. I'm not taking the pis*, I'm just continuing conversation due to boredom. What does bonzer mean? Or ripper? Or are they the same?

[Emmcee 0]

We might as well carry on fighting though just for something to do during the winter. Or summer to you. Still can't comprehend the idea of christmas being in the summer. Half my school mates seem to have moved to australia and love it there. I've never been. There's no way I could cope with the flight!

Hmm what shall we fight about? The Ashes? Actually let's not, I don't have much ammo for that one.

Lleyton Hewitt won a tennis tournament for the first time since 2010 the other day, congratulations. I'm not taking the pis*, I'm just continuing conversation due to boredom. What does bonzer mean? Or ripper? Or are they the same?

Lmao, your a top bloke mate, god you make me laugh, Bonza and ripper is the same as awesome or ok. For example, Australia smashed England in the ashes 5 zip, you bloody rippa. Australia takes another wicket, Bonza. Yea man Xmas here was bloody stinking hot 35 degrees air com on in the house, nice cold beer and the annual game of blind drunk backyard cricket. Over the fence is 6 and out, automatic wicket keeper, one hand one bounce and your out, has to be that way as yard is small.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Sounds nice! Even as an englishman I find the idea of a sport that has to stop for 'tea' as seeming fairly ridiculous. It's like it's trying to play to the 'english gentleman' stereotype that we must all stop for a spot of tea and then have give each other a jolly good buggering in the showers.

I must admit I still don't even understand the rules of cricket, or why it has to go on all day. Then I find out there's different types of cricket, eg 20:20 (??), test cricket etc. English counties have their own teams but we only ever hear about the national team. And it seems only 5 countries in the world actually play it.

Have you ever ventured over to europe?

[Emmcee 0]

Sounds nice! Even as an englishman I find the idea of a sport that has to stop for 'tea' as seeming fairly ridiculous. It's like it's trying to play to the 'english gentleman' stereotype that we must all stop for a spot of tea and then have give each other a jolly good buggering in the showers.

I must admit I still don't even understand the rules of cricket, or why it has to go on all day. Then I find out there's different types of cricket, eg 20:20 (??), test cricket etc. English counties have their own teams but we only ever hear about the national team. And it seems only 5 countries in the world actually play it.

Have you ever ventured over to europe?

Mate ill let you in on a little secret iam not to proud of ok. Here is goes............ Iam half English, there I said it. Lol nah only joking man, I would love to come to the uk as my mother and her whole side is from there. She was born and grew up in Birmingham which I understand isn't far. from silverstone.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Indeed they're both situated in the midlands area. I'm about a 90-minute drive away from Birmingham. It's a very big, grey, ugly city but with a lot of history. And a terrible accent which I hope your mum hasn't got!

Nothing wrong with having roots in the motherland, imagine if you were half-french! Could be a lot worse lol.

You definitely gotta come over some time, at least to see London which (even though i'm biased) is an amazing city. The downside being that hardly anyone in london is actually british

[Emmcee 0]

Indeed they're both situated in the midlands area. I'm about a 90-minute drive away from Birmingham. It's a very big, grey, ugly city but with a lot of history. And a terrible accent which I hope your mum hasn't got!

Nothing wrong with having roots in the motherland, imagine if you were half-french! Could be a lot worse lol.

You definitely gotta come over some time, at least to see London which (even though i'm biased) is an amazing city. The downside being that hardly anyone in london is actually british

I know what you mean by the accent, nah my mother hasn't got it anymore as she moved here as a child, but my Nan has a strong accent and so did my pop. Mate me and my Missus are hoping to get there within the next 24 months. You know what that means don't ya mate? Your gonna have to show me the local watering holes. PUB CRAWL!!!!

[Jem of the Shire 0]

haha well if you come down to bristol there are plenty of places to show you, we all love cider in my part of the land though!

Just remembered Nigel Mansell has a slight birmingham accent, so everyone else can know what I'm talking about.

[Emmcee 0]

haha well if you come down to bristol there are plenty of places to show you, we all love cider in my part of the land though!

Just remembered Nigel Mansell has a slight birmingham accent, so everyone else can know what I'm talking about.

Are Bristol, home of captain kenway in assassins creed 4 black flag, arrrr matey.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

There's a bristol in assassins creed?

Coincidentally the bristol accent is remarkably similar to that of your stereotypical pirate. Just youtube Justin Lee Collins, or Vicky Pollard.

[Angellica 0]

Sorry to bring it back to topic but I also can't believe you think the Spa incident with DC was a deliberate act. That shocked me when I read that, I have never heard anyone suggest such a thing before. Schumacher did make some dubious moves over his career, the ones that have been mentioned so far are what I'm talking about so I won't repeat them.

The way he almost forced Barrichello into the wall was bad, but as I recall didn't he once put a similar move on Ralf at one time? Sorry, I have no idea which race it was, or even what year. I know it was near the start of a race though and I was shocked at the time that he'd do that to his own flesh and blood. Shows what a determined and singled minded guy he really was on the track though.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Keeping it on topic?? Don't you know how things work around here?

I jest of course. Yeah only schuey would happily put his own brother into the gravel/wall, I dont think even Seb would go that far.

I do remember that thing with Ralf slightly - a case of reminding little brother who's boss!

[Angellica 0]

Oh I'm fully aware the best topics don't usually stay on topic

It takes a certain kind of determination and blinkered will to win to risk your own brother's life, which is in effect what he potentially did. I do recall Ralf being furious after the race and them having serious words about it and I can't say I blame him either.

I'm sure Seb wouldn't go that far either, the will to win is strong in him but until Malaysia this year I can't recall him making a move that you could blame him for and say was dangerous/wrong. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong on that though.