Michael Schumacher’s transformation from a talented driver to a Formula 1 legend is well-documented and discussed. But according to those who worked closely with him, there were further changes that were attributed to his lasting success with former Red Bull head of operations Richard Hopkins admitting “the more Michael won, the more focused he became.”
Schumacher’s pathway to dominance was nothing but unprecedented. With seven championships to his name, five of which were consecutive with Ferrari, his trophy cabinet did nothing but grow. Alongside this, his personality and approach to work also grew.
“We all change when we become successful,” Hopkins said via The Sun. “Some people change more than others, and Michael definitely did. He became more focused, and things got more serious for him.”
This seriousness extended beyond race weekends.
“He was always serious, especially in the garage and in the car. Anyone who met him outside of that environment – say, in his motorhome having an espresso – would still say he was very serious.”
Schumacher’s approach to friendships also changed as he gained success, and the pressure of continuing such success became greater. This wasn’t arrogance or selfishness; it was purely the need for ruthless prioritization.
“Maybe Michael just thought he didn’t have time for the coffee chats anymore. He was focused on his engineer, his team, everything that needed his attention at the track. Perhaps he felt that if he was going to take time for a coffee, it should be with someone who would be of value to him.”
This intensity created one of the most legendary periods of the sport. The years between 2000 and 2004 saw the German driver win five consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Ferrari, breaking countless records. When his career finally came to an end, he had tallied 91 race wins – a record that was only broken by Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
Michael Schumacher – the Superhero Villain
Schumacher became unstoppable, something Hopkins keenly watched.
“He was like a superhero villain. The more Michael won, the more focused he became. It was almost like one of those Spider-Man movies, where the villain gets stronger the more energy he absorbs.
“Michael was like that. The more successful he became, the more focused and driven he got.”
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri compared to Michael Schumacher
With the McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri gifted with cars worthy of their talents this season, the two drivers are striving for further success as they compete for the championship.
“We’re seeing it with younger drivers now, like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri,” Hopkins continued. “The more successful they get, the more focused and serious they become.”
But Schumacher was different.
“Michael thrived on success and used it to his advantage in a way I think few others did. He and I were very different in that sense.”
The Duality of an F1 Champion
“Michael had that duality. He’s a lovely man, always has been, a lovely guy. His heart is in the right place. But when the helmet goes on and the visor comes down he changed, like many drivers do.”
This transformation was particularly pronounced with Schumacher: “But Michael took it to the extreme. And we saw it on multiple occasions, that superhero-villain side. It wasn’t good PR for him, and he didn’t make a lot of friends with some of the actions he took.
“Whether it was the incident in Adelaide in ’94, taking out Hill, or the infamous collision with Villeneuve in ’97 at Jerez, or parking at La Rascasse in Monaco that year.”
The 1994 Adelaide incident saw Schumacher effectively secure the championship win when he collided with Damon Hill. Many believed it to be a deliberate act. Similarly, a clash with Jacques Villeneuve in 1997 saw something similar when Schumacher attempted to stop him from passing. He was disqualified following that race.
Schumacher has an extreme legacy, but something so extreme must be created by behaviour of a similar nature.
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