Flavio Briatore recalls why he was ‘not surprised’ when Michael Schumacher quit Benetton for Ferrari

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Michael Schumacher reached towering heights in his Formula 1 career as he won seven world championships with Benetton and Ferrari.

The German is widely regarded as one of F1’s greatest drivers in history. He had been the most successful driver statistically until Lewis Hamilton equalled his seven titles in 2020 and surpassed him as the winningest driver of all time.

But ex-Ferrari boss Ross Brawn thinks not even Hamilton is above Schumacher, having worked closely with the German throughout his career at the Maranello outfit and Benetton.

Schumacher made his debut in F1 in 1991 with Jordan Grand Prix, but Flavio Briatore convinced him to move over to Enstone as Roberto Moreno’s replacement midway through the season.

Almost immediately, the German established himself as a frontrunner and he came out victorious over Damon Hill in 1994 for his and Benetton’s first world title.

The following year would be even better as Schumacher again beat Hill for the championship but did so in more dominant fashion. Claiming nine wins across the season, he won the title by 33 points as Benetton won the Constructors’ Championship.

Flavio Briatore knew Michael Schumacher wanted to drive for Ferrari

After becoming a double world champion, Schumacher opted to leave Benetton in 1996, setting his sights on a move to Ferrari.

The Maranello outfit had not won a championship since Jody Scheckter in 1979 and had fallen behind the likes of Benetton, Williams and McLaren.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

But Briatore was ‘not surprised’ by Schumacher’s decision as he recalled how he always wanted to race for Ferrari in F1.

Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the Italian said Schumacher wanted the challenge of winning the championship with Ferrari – which he would go on to do five times in a row between 2000-2004.

“I knew Michael wanted to be in Ferrari. I believe every racer, every Formula 1 racer at one point wants to land in Ferrari.

“When he told me that, I was not surprised because Michael with us, we won two championships really quickly.

“In five years we won two championships. I think he was feeling it was too easy with Benetton and wanted to have the challenge in Ferrari.

“Plus, it was the money, the salary. Ferrari offered to him… I couldn’t match it.”

Lewis Hamilton will be looking to emulate Michael Schumacher at Ferrari

In 2025, Ferrari will have had both of F1’s seven-time champions drive their famous red car as Lewis Hamilton makes the switch from Mercedes.

This marks the second time the German and the Brit’s career have crossed paths as Hamilton replaced Schumacher at Mercedes in 2013.

Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari is edging closer as he set to test with the team for the first time later this month at their private circuit in Fiorano.

But Frederic Vasseur has said Hamilton will not have the same fanfare as Schumacher did as the team look to solely concentrate on getting the 40-year-old integrated into the team.

Hamilton endured a difficult end to his stint at Mercedes with the lowest finish of his career in 2024 with seventh. He will be hoping his fresh start at Ferrari will give him the confidence boost he needs.