He didn’t win, or even make the podium, but today Michael Schumacher showed he is retiring at the peak of his career. After Japan the championship was effectively off, if still possible, and the qualifying fuel problem made a win unlikely but his drive from the start, then recovery from a post puncture 18th (last) to 4th showed what a class act he is.
Controversial, certainly, but without doubt the greatest driver of the modern age. You could argue for Senna or Prost but the combination of Michael, Todt, Brawn & Byrne rebuilt a legend into a modern winning team and I think that is his true legacy.
Yet, somehow it was fitting that although he proved his point with a storming drive it was the next generation that stood on the podium. Schumacher adds a final Fastest Lap to Career Statistics that will be virtually impossible to match. Alonso takes a brilliant second World Championship and Massa a deserved victory in his home GP. If anything it’s Massa who has stood out this year. Once fast and erratic he has matured to be a true rival for Michael, for Kimi next year, which is something few expected.
McLarens origin means being a Ferrari fan presents a certain conflict for Kiwi. As a kid it was Niki Lauda, his story & fight for life, that made me a Ferrari fan which makes this quote special:
Schumacher hailed as 'greatest' | BBC SPORT
“He is the outstanding racing driver since the Second World War”
Niki Lauda on Michael Schumacher
I saw one of his 90 wins live, Melbourne 2001, and all the others on the box. Thanks for the privilege.
itv.com/f1 - Final Schu facts and stats
We round up all of the amazing records and statistics that Michael Schumacher amassed throughout his extraordinary career, up to and including his final race in Brazil
