Michael Schumacher: Career in pictures
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Michael Schumacher is undoubtedly one of the legends of Formula One and he ended his career with an incredible 91 Grand Prix victories.
The German’s Formula One career lasted over 16 years and in that time, he earned a reputation as one of most skilled drivers of his generation.
Schumacher was involved in some of the best title battles the sport has ever seen and ahead of his 50th birthday tomorrow, we’ve taken a look back at his marvellous career in pictures.
1990 - Formula 3
As a youngster, Schumacher was a talented go karting racer and proved his talent by winning several titles at the German junior karting championships. He moved into Formula 3 and won the German F3 title in 1990.
1991 - F1 debut
Schumacher drove for Jordan and qualified in seventh place in his debut Grand Prix in Belgium, but had to retire in the first lap with a clutch failure.
1992 - First podium finish
Schumacher secured his first podium finish as he crossed the line in third place at the Mexican Grand Prix. There were signs that he was becoming better and better with each race.
1992 - First win
And indeed, he went two steps further and secured his first ever F1 win on the same track where he made his debut in Belgium.
1993 - Nine podium finishes
Schumacher was growing in confidence but was still a long way behind Damon Hill and Alain Prost, who dominated the 1993 season. Schumacher managed to finish in fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship with 52 points.
1994 - Two race ban
Schumacher was penalised for completing an overtake on the formation lap. He ignored the penalty and the black flag from the race officials, which indicates that he must immediately return to the pits. His failure to comply to the rules meant he was disqualified and later given a two-race ban. His team, Benetton, blamed the incident on a communication error.
1994 - Wins Drivers' Championship
Schumacher went into the final race of the season in Australia with a one-point lead over Damon Hill. Both drivers collided, forcing them both to retire and therefore crowning Schumacher as the champion.
1995 - Battle with Hill
Schumacher and Hill continued to battle with each other in the following season. They both collided in the British Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher won nine of the races in the 1995 season.
1995 - Defends Drivers' Championship title
Schumacher successfully defending his title and won the Drivers’ Championship by 33 points. By doing this, he became the youngest two-time World F1 champion in history.
1996 - Joins Ferrari
Schumacher then decided to join Ferrari on a two-year $60m contract.
1996 - Third in Drivers' Championship
Schumacher won three races in his debut season for Ferrari and helped the team to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.
1997 - Title challenge
Schumacher started the 1997 season slowly but soon overtook Jacques Villeneuve in the championship. Schumacher went into the final race of the season with a one-point lead.
1997 - Disaster in Spain
The European Grand Prix in Spain was the title decider and unfortunately for Schumacher, his Ferrari car developed a coolant leak towards the end of the race. Schumacher was at risk of not finishing the race and as rival Villeneuve went to pass him, Schumacher tried to initiate contact. He failed and went on to lose the title.
1998 - Another title challenge
Schumacher’s main competition this year was from Finnish driver Mika Hakkinen. Schumacher, at one point, was level in the standings with his rival on 80 points.
1998 - Narrowly lost Drivers' Championship
Hakkinen went on to win the final two races of the season to be crowned as the champion and Schumacher missed out once again.
1999 - Breaks leg
Schumacher’s chances of winning the title this year were ended as he broke his leg during a high-speed crash at the British Grand Prix.
1999 - Wins Constructors' Championship
Schumacher was out of action for 98 days, but he returned in fine form to help Ferrari win the Constructors’ Championship.
2000 - Equals Ayrton Senna's win record
Schumacher broke down into tears as he equalled the 41 win record of his idol Ayrton Senna.
2000 - Wins Drivers' Championship
Finally, Schumacher was crowned as the World Champion whilst driving for Ferrari. It was another long battle with Hakkinen.
2001 - First ever 1-2 finish by brothers
In the Canadian Grand Prix, Michael finished in second place behind his brother Ralf, making the pair the first ever brothers to finish an F1 race in first and second place.
2001 - Wins 4th Drivers' Championship
Schumacher made it back-to-back titles once again in 2001. He managed to clinch the title with four races of the season left.
2002 - Wins third successive title
Schumacher was crowned as the champion once again in 2002 with six races left.
2003 - Defends title for fourth time
Schumacher broke Juan Manuel Fangio’s record of five World Drivers’ Championships by winning the drivers’ title for the sixth time in 2003. It was a narrow victory as he ended the season just two points ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.
2004 - Fifth successive title
Schumacher won a record 12 out of the first 13 races of the season and clinched another title at the British Grand Prix. He scored a record 148 points.
2005 - One win in entire season
The 2005 rule changes stating that the tyres had to last the entire race held Schumacher back. He only managed to win one race, which was in the United States.
2006 - Last season with Ferrari
Schumacher looked to secure a fairytale ending to his Ferrari career as he pushed for the title. However, in the final race of the season, the German lost out to Fernando Alonso but was praised for his heroic effort.
2006 - Broke Senna's pole record
At the San Marino Grand Prix, Schumacher secured his 66th pole position and broke Ayrton Senna’s 12-year pole record.
2007 - Retirement from racing
At the end of the 2006 season, it was confirmed that Schumacher was to retire from racing and act as an advisor for Ferrari in 2007.
2010 - Racing comeback
Schumacher announced that he was returning to F1 racing in 2010 for Mercedes alongside fellow German Nico Rosberg.
2011 - 8th in the Drivers' Championship
Schumacher battled hard in the 2011 season and marked the 20th anniversary of his Formula 1 debut. He finished in 8th place in the overall standings.
2012 - Final season
Schumacher partnered Rosberg once again in 2012. He secured his first podium finish for Mercedes at the European Grand Prix by finishing in third place.
2012 - 300 Grand Prix races
Schumacher became the second driver in history to reach 300 Grand Prix races.
2012 - Retirement...again
Schumacher confirmed that he was going to retire after the 2012 season. He was replaced by Lewis Hamilton.