Michael Schumacher Turns 48; Relive The F1 Career Of Legendary Racer

Jan 04, 2017 06:20 AM EST | Mariechris Felipe

On December 29, 2013, Michael Schumacher had a ski accident which almost ended his life. Today, on his 48th birthday, relive Schumacher's life to becoming the most successful driver in Formula One history. 

One cannot deny that Michael Schumacher's presence marked a turning point in racing history. There have been many drivers that may have attributes similar or superior to those of Schumacher in certain areas, but only a few of them throughout history have achieved what Schumacher did, according to CNN.

Michael Schumacher debuted in 1991 when Modern Formula 1 legends such as Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell or Nelson Piquet were in search of an heir that would link the old and the new times. Schumacher took that role and lead the change.

Mercedes gave him a chance and for the modest price of 80,000 pounds, Schumacher started his Formula 1 career and had an amazing first performance at the Spa-Francorchamps - where he finished seventh on the grid. He turned left in the first lap for a clutch break - a circuit that was unknown until then. After the race, MIchael Schumacher transferred to Benetton.

At Benetton, Schumacher felt at home, pushing a devalued Nelson Piquet aside. Rory Byrne, Alan Permane, Nikolas Tombazis climbed up to the grid and firmly supported Schumacher, who just won his first Grand Prix the following year on the same stage where he debuted - Spa-Francorchamps. Soon the legends of F1, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, saw Michael Schumacher as their new great rival.

In 1994, Schumacher got his first F1 world title after an intense season in direct fight with Damon Hill and then got the title again in 1995. Schumacher then decided to accept the biggest challenge of his career - to transfer to Ferrari where he will drive for 11 years. From 1996 to 2006, Michael Schumacher got five F1 world titles for Ferrari and achieved F1 records including most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions and most races won in a single season.

Schumacher then shocked everyone by announcing his retirement on 2007. However, he went back to the tracks on 2009 and signed with Mercedes. His return didn't fare that well as he needed to face new regulations, new competitions and team rivalry with another great F1 driver, Nico Rosberg. However, he went through every race with the same determination until his final retirement in 2012.

As the F1 legend turns 48 today, his medical condition is still unknown and his family continues to ask for privacy according to DailyStar. Watch this video below from BiographyTV for more details about the F1 star, Michael Schumacher.

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