Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Ex-Mercedes test and reserve driver Sam Bird thinks the media gave off the wrong perception of Michael Schumacher during his Formula 1 career.
The seven-time champion had his fair share of controversies during his time in F1. Schumacher collided with Damon Hill at the last race in 1994, taking the Brit out of the race and thus giving him his first title with Benetton.
What was Michael Schumacher BEST EVER Formula 1 season?
The German would do it again, this time to Jacques Villeneuve, in 1997, but it had much more damaging consequences for Schumacher. His rival won the championship as he was disqualified for deliberately hitting the Williams driver at the season finale.
Schumacher later congratulated Villeneuve on the title win, but the damage was already done. The Ferrari driver was ridiculed in the press, which gave off an impression that Bird believes is false.
Sam Bird says Michael Schumacher was the ‘best guy’ unlike what the press said about him
Schumacher returned to F1 with Mercedes in 2010 after his brief retirement in 2006. Bird was working as a development driver at the time, and speaking with Lucas Stewart on his YouTube channel, he described his personal experience of being alongside his racing idol.
“From an English perspective as well, the press, I think, built him into this machine and maybe not the nicest person, but let me tell you, when you got to know him, if he trusted you and you got into his circle, he was the best guy,” he said.
What is your favourite car from Michael Schumacher’s F1 career?
“Like, luckily, he was my hero, but I got into that circle and I saw a very different person to what the press saw and perceived of him and I feel really, really lucky and privileged to have been in that position.
“Going out for meals with him, having a couple of nights out with him which were mental, really crazy, but what a fun guy. What a gentleman, a fun guy and still my hero to this day.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Michael Schumacher, from F1 career to net worth
Jean Todt thinks people are ‘completely wrong’ about Michael Schumacher
Schumacher still holds numerous F1 records to this day, some of which may take some beating. The German was exceptionally talented behind the wheel, but his antics on the track left many people thinking badly of him.
Ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt says people are ‘completely wrong’ about Schumacher, in that he is actually a ‘shy’ character.
He also stated that Schumacher used to hide his shyness by appearing arrogant. It seemed to work for him, as regardless of the public perception of him, he did not let it faze him.
With seven titles and 91 Grand Prix wins, he will always be regarded as one of the greatest drivers F1 has ever seen, and perhaps one of the most misunderstood characters.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
