Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is a German racing driver who won a record-setting seven World Drivers' Championships and, for many years, held the records for most race wins (91), pole positions and podium finishes. He is one of the most successful and influential drivers in Formula 1 history.

After debuting with Jordan in 1991 and moving almost immediately to Benetton, Schumacher won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. In 1996 he joined a struggling Ferrari and, over several years, helped build the team into a dominant force, winning five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004.

Famed for his relentless work ethic, racecraft and ability to galvanise a team around him, Schumacher retired in 2006, returned with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012, and then retired for good. He suffered a serious skiing accident in December 2013; his family has kept details of his condition private ever since.