Schumacher’s Return to F1: A Clash of Generations

Michael Schumacher, a name, a legend. First, for his record: 7 world championship titles, 91 victories, 68 pole positions, 76 fastest laps, and around 154 podiums. A record that has never been equaled, even by the best drivers of all time. Senna stopped at 3 titles, Fangio at 5 world championships, and the Frenchman Alain Prost had the chance to win the world championship 4 times. Michael Schumacher can impress; it is thanks to him and Jean Todt that Ferrari regained its glory starting in 1997. The ability to manage a team is not something everyone possesses. Proof of this is that Spanish driver Fernando Alonso never managed to succeed at McLaren, and Kimi Räikkönen let his talent dictate his path. The German, seven-time world champion, also possesses an extraordinary faith in never giving up on anything.

Michael Schumacher, as we have well understood, is a racing phenomenon. Whether we like him or not, this now 40-year-old German commands respect. Respect for having won so much, respect for having worked so hard, and respect for returning to the forefront after nearly 2 and a half years away from Formula 1. A bit like Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France, Schumacher wants to prove that he still has his place among the best drivers in the world. And the comparison between the different drivers will be interesting to observe. Indeed, three generations will face off at the next Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23rd.

Schumacher represents the older generation of drivers like Giancarlo Fisichella and Rubens Barrichello from the 1990s. Exciting duels could light up between Schumacher and Barrichello, the former Ferrari teammates. A second generation consists of the last rivals of the Red Baron, including Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso. Schumacher had to battle against these two drivers, losing the last two championships (2005, 2006) before retiring. The cohabitation between Räikkönen and Schumacher will be interesting to watch, and the German is keen to seek revenge against the Iberian driver. A third generation is that of our current champions represented by Lewis Hamilton, the reigning world champion, and Sebastian Vettel, nicknamed “Baby Schumi.” Epic duels are anticipated.

The return of Michael Schumacher to Formula 1 almost makes us forget the reason why the German came back. The elder Schumacher brother is supposed to replace his former teammate and friend, Felipe Massa, for the upcoming races. Why consider a former 40-year-old driver when the Scuderia has competent test drivers? A nice publicity stunt by the main financer of Formula 1 wouldn’t be out of the question. Bernie Ecclestone, having seen that Formula 1 was gradually declining, might have announced Schumacher’s arrival as a spark in the controversial world of Formula 1.

Whatever the political or economic reasons that may have brought Schumacher out of retirement, one can only hope for a grandiose Grand Prix of Valencia on August 23, 2009. A great battle will take place between Jenson Button, the championship leader, Mark Webber, the current in-form driver, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Rubens Barrichello, Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso (if Renault has been authorized to race by Valencia) and Michael Schumacher.