1995, Nürburgring, European Grand Prix
The first race at the Nürburgring for ten years produced one of the most
exciting spectacles in F1 history, and one of its greatest performances.
Trailing Jean Alesi in the closing stages, Schumacher wiped out a 42-second
deficit in 27 laps before passing the Ferrari around the outside on the
penultimate lap. It was the crowning glory of a season in which Schumi beat
Damon Hill to the title by 33 points, becoming the youngest driver to retain
the World Championship title and delivering the constructor’s championship
to Benetton in the process.
1996, Circuit de Catalunya, Spanish Grand Prix
Moving to Ferrari this season, Schumacher was beset by numerous technical
difficulties with the car. In the rain, Schumacher overcame a poor start
that saw him drop to six, driving a wonderful race that is regarded by many
as his finest hour. He won by 45 seconds and his legend – and nickname of
Regenmeister” (“Rainmaster”) – was secured.
1998, Hungaroring, Hungarian Grand Prix
The formidable McLarens of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard looked unbeatable
in this race but Schumacher pulled out all the stops for a brilliant
succession of quick laps and triumphed with a daring three-stop strategy
that had observers purring in appreciation.
The Worst
1994, Adelaide, Australian Grand Prix
A despicable act of gamesmanship with no place in sport, especially given the
deaths of two drivers earlier in the season. Or a brilliant piece of
improvisation from a single-minded genius. Everyone has their view on the
crash between Damon Hill and Schumacher in the final race of the 1994
season, when Schumacher collided with Hill shortly after having damaged his
own car irreparably. Hill was forced to retire, Schumi won the title, and
the debate will rage for as long as the sport exists.
1997, Circuito Permanente de Jerez, European Grand Prix
Going into the final race of the season, Jacques Villeneuve needed to finish
ahead of Schumacher to pip him for the title. Coming into lap 48 Villeneuve
was just a second behind the German. As he tried to overtake him, Schumacher
steered into the Canadian. However, on this occasion Schumacher came off
worse. He had to retire, Villeneuve took third and the title; Schumacher was
later stripped of his second place in the championship.
2002, A1-Ring, Spielberg, Austrian Grand Prix
Schumacher, who was only obeying team orders, found himself back in the soup
after helping to manipulate a race outcome. With team-mate Rubens
Barrichello leading, Ferrari ordered their junior driver to slow down and
let Schumi pass so that he would gain points for the driver’s championship.
The crowd booed, even when Schumacher insisted that Barrichello take the
podium. FIA dished out fines all round, and then declared new rules against
“team orders” results.
2002: Indianapolis, American Grand Prix
However, despite having had a rap on the knuckles after the Austrian
situation, Ferrari and Schumacher were involved in controversy again. The
two Ferraris were out of sight in first and second, with Schumacher leading.
However, he inexplicably slowed right before the line and Barrichello passed
him to win by 0.011 seconds.
2006: Monaco, Monaco Grand Prix
Perhaps Schumi’s most splendid transgression of them all. During the closing
qualifying sessions, he stopped his Ferrari across the Rascasse corner to
disrupt rival Fernando Alonso’s qualifying and retain pole position. He was
sent to the back of the grid by stewards. There was something wonderfully… German
about it. We will not see his like again. Unless he makes another
comeback, of course.