#5 · Benetton / Ferrari
Michael Schumacher
Seven-time World Champion. Defined the Ferrari era of the early 2000s with five straight titles 2000–2004. The benchmark every modern champion is measured against.
Why he matters
Schumacher’s record of seven championships was unmatched until Lewis Hamilton equaled it in 2020. He won his first two titles at Benetton in 1994 and 1995, then joined Ferrari (at the time a struggling team) in 1996. With technical director Ross Brawn, designer Rory Byrne, and team principal Jean Todt, he rebuilt Ferrari into a dominant force and won five straight championships from 2000 to 2004.
His career suffered a sad postscript: a skiing accident in December 2013 left him with severe brain injuries. He has not been seen in public since. His family carefully protects his privacy.
How he drove
The defining feature of Schumacher’s racing was preparation. He worked with engineers longer than any contemporary; his fitness regimen was a generation ahead; his ability to drive a car on the precise edge of grip for race distances was unique. He could also be ruthless to a fault: multiple controversial title-deciding incidents punctuated his career.
Why to remember him
- Spa 1992: his first F1 win, in the rain.
- The 2000 Suzuka Grand Prix: his first title for Ferrari, the team’s first drivers’ championship in 21 years.
- His son Mick raced in F1 (2021–2022 at Haas). The family name continues.
Career receipts
Through the 2026 season
91
Race wins
155
Podiums
68
Pole positions
7
Championships
Last race
Decoder breakdown of the most recent round