Flavio Briatore explains why Michael Schumacher's F1 move from Benetton to Ferrari didn't surprise him
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Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 journey is marked by extraordinary achievements, including securing seven world championships with Benetton and Ferrari, cementing his place as one of the sport's most legendary figures.
Before Lewis Hamilton matched his seven titles in 2020 and eventually surpassed him in race wins, Michael Schumacher was considered the most successful F1 driver in history. However, Ross Brawn, who worked closely with Schumacher throughout his time at both Benetton and Ferrari, still holds the German driver in the highest regard, believing that Michael Schumacher’s legacy stands unparalleled, even by Hamilton's accomplishments.
Schumacher's F1 career began in 1991 with Jordan Grand Prix, but it was Flavio Briatore who convinced him to join Benetton midway through the season, replacing Roberto Moreno. His impact was immediate. In 1994, he clinched his first world title, defeating Damon Hill, and followed it up in 1995 with another championship. This time, Schumacher dominated the season, winning nine races and taking the title by a commanding 33-point margin, helping Benetton secure the Constructors' Championship as well.
After achieving double world champion status, Schumacher made the bold decision to leave Benetton in 1996, with his sights set firmly on Ferrari. At the time, Ferrari had not tasted championship success since Jody Scheckter's 1979 title and was far from the dominant force it would become. Despite this, the Italian businessman, who currently serves as Renault’s executive advisor for Formula One, was not taken by surprise by Schumacher's move, recalling how the German driver had always expressed a deep desire to race for Ferrari. Schumacher's move to Maranello marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that saw him accomplish an unprecedented five consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004.
Flavio Briatore mentioned that he had known Schumacher always wanted to race for Ferrari, believing that every F1 driver, at some point, dreams of joining the iconic team. He explained that when Schumacher told him about his decision, he wasn't surprised, as their partnership at Benetton had already resulted in two championships won in quick succession.
The former Renault team principal reflected that in just five years, they had secured two titles, and he felt Schumacher might have begun to find success with Benetton too easy. The challenge of joining Ferrari seemed appealing to him. Additionally, Flavio Briatore acknowledged that Ferrari's offer, including the salary, was something he couldn't match.
In 2025, Ferrari will have witnessed both of Formula 1’s seven-time world champions behind the wheel of their iconic red car, as Lewis Hamilton prepares to make the switch from Mercedes.
This move marks the second time in their careers that Hamilton and Michael Schumacher's paths have crossed, following Lewis Hamilton's replacement of the German driver at Mercedes in 2013.
Lewis Hamilton's debut with Ferrari is fast approaching, with the 40-year-old set to test for the first time with the team later this month at their private Fiorano circuit. However, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has indicated that the British driver will not be met with the same level of fanfare that Schumacher received when he joined, as the team aims to focus entirely on integrating Hamilton into their setup.
After a challenging final season at Mercedes, where he recorded the lowest finish of his career in 2024, finishing seventh, Hamilton will be hoping that his fresh start with Ferrari will provide the necessary boost to regain his confidence and restore his competitiveness.
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