Editing Michael Schumacher (section)

====2005–2006: Regulation changes and first retirement====
[[File:Lap4 Canada2005 McLaren and Ferrari.jpg|thumb|Schumacher battling with [[Kimi Räikkönen]] in 2005 during the {{F1 GP|2005|Canadian}}. Due to rule changes, he achieved only one win that year.]]
Rule changes for the {{F1|2005}} season required tyres to last an entire race,<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 October 2004|title=FIA announce rule changes for 2005 and 2006|publisher=Formula One|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2004/10/2367.html|access-date=13 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201210318/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2004/10/2367.html|archive-date=1 December 2008}}</ref> tipping the overall advantage to teams using Michelins over teams like Ferrari that relied on Bridgestone tyres.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Michael Schumacher|website=F1complete.com|url=http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/376/273/|access-date=30 November 2007|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012141942/http://f1complete.com/content/view/376/273/|archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> The rule changes were partly in an effort to dent Ferrari's dominance and make the series more interesting.<ref name="Sapa 2006"/> The most notable moment of the early season for Schumacher was his battle with [[Renault R25]] driver Fernando Alonso at the {{F1 GP|2005|San Marino}}, where he started 13th and finished only 0.2 seconds behind Alonso.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 April 2005|title=Alonso holds off Schumacher surge|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4478747.stm|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202065641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4478747.stm|archive-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=24 April 2023|title=The day Alonso gave Schumacher an F1 masterclass|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-schumacher-imola-2005-recap/4784073/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-schumacher-imola-2005-recap/4784073/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cozens|first=Jack|date=21 May 2023|title=Why Imola's famous Alonso vs Schumacher duel was even possible|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-imolas-famous-alonso-vs-schumacher-duel-was-even-possible/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=The Race|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051340/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-imolas-famous-alonso-vs-schumacher-duel-was-even-possible/|url-status=live}}</ref> Less than halfway through the season, Schumacher stated: "I don't think I can count myself in this battle any more. It was like trying to fight with a blunted weapon. If your weapons are weak you don't have a chance."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=27 July 2005|title=Alonso within touching distance of title|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,10069,1535586,00.html|access-date=5 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111174727/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,10069,1535586,00.html|archive-date=11 January 2006}}</ref> Schumacher's sole win in 2005 came at the {{F1 GP|2005|United States}} in a 1–2 finish with Rubens Barrichello.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Maher|first=Thomas|date=18 October 2022|title=F1's most controversial races: The 2005 United States Grand Prix|url=https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1-controversial-races-2005-united-states-grand-prix|access-date=9 February 2024|website=PlanetF1|archive-date=26 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226205412/https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1-controversial-races-2005-united-states-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref> Before that race, the Michelin tyres were found to have significant safety issues. When no compromise between the teams and the FIA could be reached, all but the three teams using Bridgestone tyres dropped out of the race after the formation lap, leaving only six drivers on the grid.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 June 2005|title=Schumacher takes hollow USGP victory|publisher=Crash.net|url=http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=113296|access-date=19 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630003918/http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=113296|archive-date=30 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=19 June 2005|title=Schumacher wins, F1 loses in six-car sham|url=https://www.racefans.net/2005/06/19/united-states-grand-prix-2005-review/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201040706/https://www.racefans.net/2005/06/19/united-states-grand-prix-2005-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=19 June 2020|title=The 2005 US GP farce: The full inside story|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-2005-us-gp-farce-the-full-inside-story/4809049/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221011311/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-2005-us-gp-farce-the-full-inside-story/4809049/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher retired in 6 of the 19 races, and finished the season in third with 62 points, fewer than half the points of World Champion Alonso.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 July 2017|title=2005 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2005-f1-world-championship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143530/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2005-f1-world-championship|archive-date=22 March 2018|access-date=9 February 2024|work=Motor Sport}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Schumacher 2006 Brazil last overtaking cropped.jpg|thumb|Schumacher overtakes [[Kimi Räikkönen]] for fourth with three laps to go of the {{F1 GP|2006|Brazilian}}, in what was the last race of a competitive 2006 season and his final race for three years, having dropped to 19th early on.]]
{{F1|2006}} became the last season of Schumacher's Ferrari career. After three races, Schumacher had just 11 points and was already 17 points behind Alonso.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 April 2006|title=Alonso: Schumi Won't Go|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/alonso-schumi-won-t-go_sto871109/story.shtml|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Eurosport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023206/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/alonso-schumi-won-t-go_sto871109/story.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=21 April 2006|title=Ferrari to fight back at Imola|url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/ferrari-to-fight-back-at-imola.56551|access-date=6 February 2024|website=The Times|location=Malta|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/ferrari-to-fight-back-at-imola.56551|url-status=live}}</ref> He won the following two races; his pole position at {{F1 GP|2006|San Marino}} was his 66th, breaking Ayrton Senna's 12-year-old record,<ref>{{Cite news|date=22 April 2006|title=Unbeatable Schumi sets new pole record|publisher=GPUpdate.net|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/115825/unbeatable-schumi-sets-new-pole-record/|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425222223/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/115825/unbeatable-schumi-sets-new-pole-record/|archive-date=25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=22 April 2006|title=Schumacher sets all-time pole best|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/04/22/imola.schu/|access-date=8 February 2024|publisher=CNN|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023214/https://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/04/22/imola.schu/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was described as perhaps the greatest record that stood in the sport,<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> and was a reversal of the 2005 race.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Leary|first=James|date=23 April 2006|title=Schumacher fends off Alonso to Imola win|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-fends-off-alonso-to-imola-win-4400855/4400855/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051346/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-fends-off-alonso-to-imola-win-4400855/4400855/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=23 April 2006|title=San Marino 2006: Schumacher's Imola role reversal<!--. | F1 | Crash-->|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/race-report/55415/1/san-marino-2006-schumachers-imola-role-reversal|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Crash.net|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023210/https://www.crash.net/f1/race-report/55415/1/san-marino-2006-schumachers-imola-role-reversal|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher was stripped of pole position at the {{F1 GP|2006|Monaco}} and started the race at the back of the grid, as he stopped his car and blocked part of the circuit while Alonso was on his qualifying lap;<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 May 2006|title=Schumacher in the dock|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5024498.stm|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051038/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5024498.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=12 May 2010|title=Michael Schumacher will not revisit Fernando Alonso incident at Monaco|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/12/michael-schumacher-monaco-alonso-rascasse|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> he still managed to work his way up to fifth place on the notoriously cramped Monaco circuit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=28 May 2006|title=Alonso grabs Monaco win as Schumacher recovers to fifth|url=https://www.racefans.net/2006/05/28/monaco-grand-prix-2006-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004010656/https://www.racefans.net/2006/05/28/monaco-grand-prix-2006-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the {{F1 GP|2006|Turkish}}, the fourteenth race of the season, the FIA banned Renault's mass damper, with the superior [[Renault R26]] suddenly no longer as competitive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2006 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2006-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204120951/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2006-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the {{F1 GP|2006|Canadian}}, the ninth race of the season, Schumacher was 25 points behind Alonso;<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 June 2006|title=Alonso wins Canadian Grand Prix|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/alonso-wins-canadian-grand-prix-1.582945|access-date=6 February 2024|work=CBC Sports|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/alonso-wins-canadian-grand-prix-1.582945|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 October 2006|title=Schumacher hails championship 'miracle'|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-hails-championship-miracle-4405316/4405316/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051343/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-hails-championship-miracle-4405316/4405316/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 June 2006|title=Schumi: 'Never Say Die'|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/schumi-never-say-die_sto915417/story.shtml|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Eurosport}}</ref> he then won the following three races, including at Hockenheim, to reduce his disadvantage to 11,<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2006|title=Michael Schumacher Wins German Grand Prix<!--– DW – 07/30/2006-->|url=https://www.dw.com/en/michael-schumacher-wins-german-grand-prix/a-2114277|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=Deutsche Welle|archive-date=22 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722115337/https://www.dw.com/en/michael-schumacher-wins-german-grand-prix/a-2114277|url-status=live}}</ref> and to 10 by Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 August 2006|title=Mass Dampers Banned|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/mass-dampers-banned_sto949809/story.shtml|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Eurosport|archive-date=13 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613212246/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/mass-dampers-banned_sto949809/story.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Since Canada, Ferrari won six out of seven races, including at [[Monza Circuit|Monza]], with Schumacher winning in five of them.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 October 2006|title=Schumacher close to finishing on a high|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/schumacher-close-to-finishing-on-a-high-20061006-gdojhb.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/schumacher-close-to-finishing-on-a-high-20061006-gdojhb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After further victories at the {{F1 GP|2006|Italian}}, where he announced his retirement at the end of the season, and at the {{F1 GP|2006|Chinese}}, in what would be his 91th and final career win,<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Schumacher led in the championship standings for the first time during the season.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Zanca|first=Salvatore|date=1 October 2006|title=Alonso has trouble with his front tires|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/01/AR2006100100207_2.html|access-date=1 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110173741/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/01/AR2006100100207_2.html|archive-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Spurgeon|first=Brad|date=1 October 2006|title=Formula One: Schumacher wins in China to edge Alonso in rankings<!-- – Sports – International Herald Tribune-->|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/01/sports/01iht-prix.2992947.html|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/01/sports/01iht-prix.2992947.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After his win in Italy, Ferrari issued a press release stating that Schumacher would retire from racing at the end of the 2006 season but would continue working for the team.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship.|date=10 September 2006|publisher=Ferrari S.p.A.|url=http://www.ferrariworld.com/events/ms/pdf/monza01_en.pdf|access-date=24 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102031431/http://www.ferrariworld.com/events/ms/pdf/monza01_en.pdf|archive-date=2 November 2006}}</ref> The ''tifosi'' and the Italian press, who did not always take to Schumacher's relatively cold public persona, displayed an affectionate response after he announced his retirement.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Simon|date=11 September 2006|title=Italy shows gratitude to Schumacher|website=Autosport|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/54449|access-date=12 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183619/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/54449|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Thanks Michael 2006 Brazil.jpg|thumb|left|BMW Sauber with "Thanks Michael" messages towards Schumacher on the back of their cars. He and [[Peter Sauber]] had worked together in sports cars before entering Formula One in 1992.]]
After qualifying second, Schumacher led the {{F1 GP|2006|Japanese}} in what could have seen him heading into the season finale with two points ahead of Alonso. With only 16 laps to go, his car suffered an engine failure for the first time since the {{F1 GP|2000|French}}, ending a 58-race sequence without a mechanical retirement,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=28 October 2012|title=Michael Schumacher admits his F1 career unlikely to finish memorably|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12472/8202588/michael-schumacher-admits-his-f1-career-unlikely-to-finish-memorably|access-date=9 February 2024|publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref> handing Alonso the victory.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=9 October 2006|title=Formula One: Engine failure ruins Schumacher's dream|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/09/formulaone.sport|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323154801/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/09/formulaone.sport|archive-date=23 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kelley|first=Michael|date=9 October 2006|title=Kelley: Schumacher's bad timing crushes title hopes|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2618601|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051340/https://www.espn.co.uk/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2618601|url-status=live}}</ref> He also conceded the title;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lostia|first=Michele|date=8 October 2006|title=Schumacher concedes the title to Alonso|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-concedes-the-title-to-alonso-4405082/4405082/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023733/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-concedes-the-title-to-alonso-4405082/4405082/|url-status=live}}</ref> to win the Drivers' Championship, Schumacher would have had to win the final race and Alonso had to fail to score any point, and he did not wish to win the title like that.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=9 October 2006|title=From hero to zero, Schumacher's hopes are suddenly blown|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/09/formulaone.sport|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=23 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323154801/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/oct/09/formulaone.sport|url-status=live}}</ref> During the pre-race ceremonies of the season's last race, the {{F1 GP|2006|Brazilian}}, former [[Association football|football]] player [[Pelé]] presented a trophy to Schumacher for his achievements in Formula One.<ref>{{Cite news|date=22 October 2006|title=Pele to present a trophy to Schumacher|work=International Herald Tribune|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/20/sports/LA_SPT_CAR_F1_Brazilian_GP_Notebook.php|access-date=1 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912162206/https://www.nytimes.com/|archive-date=12 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=22 October 2006|title=Schumacher honored by a presentation from Pele|work=International Herald Tribune|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/22/sports/LA_SPT_CAR_F1_Schumachers_Finale.php|access-date=1 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912162206/https://www.nytimes.com/|archive-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> A fuel pressure problem prevented Schumacher from completing a single lap during the third qualifying session, forcing him to start the race in tenth position.<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 October 2006|title=Schumacher suffers in qualifying|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6073264.stm|access-date=1 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202070550/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6073264.stm|archive-date=2 December 2010}}</ref> Early in the race, Schumacher moved up to sixth place but suffered a puncture caused by the front wing of [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]'s Renault.<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 October 2006|title=Fisi did cause Schu puncture|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37856|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929115409/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37856|archive-date=29 September 2007|access-date=10 February 2024|work=ITV-F1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=18 September 2009|title=Did more foul play by Renault scupper Schumacher in the 2006 title decider?|url=https://www.racefans.net/2009/09/18/did-more-foul-play-by-renault-scupper-schumacher-in-the-2006-title-decider/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=10 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210205635/https://www.racefans.net/2009/09/18/did-more-foul-play-by-renault-scupper-schumacher-in-the-2006-title-decider/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher fell to 19th place, 70 seconds behind teammate and race leader [[Felipe Massa]]. Schumacher recovered and overtook both Fisichella and Räikkönen, his successor at Ferrari following his retirement,<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> to secure fourth place. His performance was praised, as he had the pace to win the race by a lap,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=22 October 2006|title=Massa win, Alonso clinches title after final duel with Schumacher|url=https://www.racefans.net/2006/10/22/brazilian-grand-prix-2006-review/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902143209/https://www.racefans.net/2006/10/22/brazilian-grand-prix-2006-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and was variously classified in the press as "heroic",<ref>{{Cite news|date=22 October 2006|title=Superb Schumi signs off in style|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6075782.stm|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330095051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6075782.stm|archive-date=30 March 2019}}</ref> an "utterly breath-taking drive",<ref>{{Cite news|date=22 October 2006|title=Brazil: Alonso takes championship, but Michael steals the show|publisher=ManipeF1|url=http://www.manipef1.com/news/2006/index.php?id=1744|access-date=3 November 2006|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510225430/http://www.manipef1.com/news/2006/index.php?id=1744|archive-date=10 May 2007}}</ref> and a "performance that ... sums up his career".<ref>{{Cite news|title=2006 Brazil Grand Prix Report|publisher=PitPass|url=http://www.pitpass.com/src/seasons/2006/gp/brazil/report/result.php|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210614/https://www.pitpass.com/src/seasons/2006/gp/brazil/report/result.php|archive-date=15 July 2018}}</ref>

During the following weeks, Schumacher, Brawn, Byrne, and Todt were credited for turning the struggling Ferrari team into the most successful team in Formula One history,<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2006 |title=Schumacher confirms retirement |url=http://crashnet.cars.msn.co.uk/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=137166 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928081027/http://crashnet.cars.msn.co.uk/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=137166 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |access-date=28 September 2006 |publisher=MSN Cars}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferrari: Formula 1's Most Successful Team Enters a New Era |url=http://formula1.about.com/od/teams/p/Ferrari.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712202105/http://formula1.about.com/od/teams/p/Ferrari.htm |archive-date=12 July 2007 |access-date=12 June 2007 |website=Formula1.about.com}}</ref> with Schumacher scoring 72 Grand Prix wins at Ferrari and winning five consecutive Drivers' titles.<ref name="Autosport 2009" /> Three-time World Champion [[Jackie Stewart]] believed the transformation of the Ferrari team was Schumacher's greatest feat.<ref name=BBCOct2006>{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=18 October 2006 |title=Schumacher 'made Ferrari great' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/motorsport/formula_one/6061442.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912162206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6061442.stm |archive-date=12 September 2019 |access-date=6 November 2006 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> During his time at the team, Schumacher became the byword for Formula One and [[motorsport]]s in general.<ref name="Walfisz 2023" /> At the end of 2006, Schumacher's 91 wins were 40 more than Alain Prost, who was his nearest rival.<ref>{{Cite web|year=2018|title=Michael Schumacher<!-- | Formula 1®-->|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Michael_Schumacher.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Formula1.com<!--® – The Official F1® Website-->|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010130927/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Michael_Schumacher.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher held at least thirty-one records, including for most championship titles (7), consecutive titles (5), race victories (91), consecutive wins 7 (2004), wins with one team (72, Ferrari), wins at same Grand Prix (8, France), wins at different Grands Prix (20), time between first and last wins (14 years, 1 month, and 2 days), second places (43), podiums (154), consecutive podium finishes (19, 2001–2002), points finishes (190), laps leading (4.741, or 22,155&nbsp;km), pole positions (68), front row starts (115), fastest laps (76), doubles (pole and win, 40), [[Hat-trick (Formula One)|hat-tricks]] (pole, fastest lap, and win, 22), championship points (1,369), consecutive race finishes (24, 2001–2003), consecutive points finishes (24),<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 December 2009|title=Michael Schumacher signs three-year contract with Mercedes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/dec/23/michael-schumacher-mercedes-signs-contract|access-date=10 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023733/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/dec/23/michael-schumacher-mercedes-signs-contract|url-status=live}}</ref> points in a season for the runner-up (121 out of 180, 2006), wins in a season for the runner-up (7, 2006), races for same car and engine builder (180, Ferrari), wins at [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway|Indianapolis]] (5), wins at Monza (5), wins in a season (13, 2004), fastest laps in a season (10, 2004), points scored in a season (148, 2004), podium finishes in a season (17, 2002), championship won with most races left (6, 2002), and consecutive years with a win (15).<ref name="Historic Racing 2007">{{Cite web|date=3 January 2007|title=Michael Schumacher|url=https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=1958|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Historic Racing|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208171545/https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=1958|url-status=live}}</ref>