Biography - Michael Schumacher

Published by schumigirl1956

The 'Red Devil' of Formula 1 was born near Cologne, Germany, in the little village of Hürth-Hermuhleim. He discovered his talent behind the wheel at a very young age, thanks to his parents, who ran a go-cart track. In fact, he learned to drive at at the age of four and, by six was the club champion!

Although he wanted to be a footballer, Schumacher persued a racing career, training with the automobile club, and becoming Germany's junior Karting champion aged 15. In 1988 he moved on to Konig and Ford 1600, and then signed a two year contract with WTS Motorsport to drive Formula 3 (1989-1990). In 1991 he became a full-time junior driver for Mercedes, with hopes of rapidly advancing to Formula 1. His dream quickly became a reality, and he joined the Jordan team soon afterwards.

Discovered by Flavio Briatore, he then became a driver for Benetton. During his three year contract with the team Schumacher found true success, placed third in 1992 and fourth the following year. 1994 was a very difficult year for Formula 1, scarred by the death of Aerton Senna and a serious injury for Karl Wendlinger. It was then that Schumacher became World Champion for the first time, finishing just ahead of Damon Hill.

1995 was a particularly fruitful year of Schumacher: not only did he marry Corinna (with whom he has two children), but he also became the youngest driver ever to clinch a double Formula 1 championship, aged just 25.

Michael Schumacher has gone on to become the most successful driver in Formula 1 history. In 2003 he beat Juan Fangio's five championships, by taking his sixth, and he currently has a seventh under his belt. Shumacher is also the highest paid racing driver in the world, earing a reputed $30 million. (His younger brother Ralf became the third highest paid ever in 1999 when he received $15 million).