Editing Michael Schumacher (section)

==Formula One career==
===Jordan (1991)===
[[File:Michael Schumacher Bernie Ecclestone September 1991.jpg|thumb|Schumacher (left) in 1991, the year he joined [[Formula One]]]]
Schumacher made his Formula One debut with the Irish [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]]-[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] team at the {{F1 GP|1991|Belgian}}, driving car number 32 as a replacement for the imprisoned [[Bertrand Gachot]].<ref name="Walfisz 2023">{{Cite web|last=Walfisz|first=Jonny|date=13 November 2023|title=Culture Re-View: How Schumacher's first title made him controversial|url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/11/13/culture-re-view-the-controversial-way-schumacher-started-his-winning-f1-legacy|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Euronews|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207013203/https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/11/13/culture-re-view-the-controversial-way-schumacher-started-his-winning-f1-legacy|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher, still a contracted Mercedes driver, was signed by [[Eddie Jordan]] after Mercedes paid Jordan $150,000 for his debut.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Collings|first=Timothy|title=The Piranha Club|publisher=Virgin Books|year=2004|isbn=978-0-7535-0965-4|page=17}}</ref>

The week before the race, Schumacher impressed Jordan designer [[Gary Anderson (motorsport)|Gary Anderson]] and team manager Trevor Foster during a test drive at the [[Silverstone circuit]]. Schumacher's manager Weber assured Jordan that Schumacher knew the challenging [[Spa-Francorchamps circuit]] well, although in fact he had only seen it as a spectator. During the race weekend, teammate [[Andrea de Cesaris]] was meant to show Schumacher the circuit but was held up with contract negotiations. Schumacher then learned the track on his own, by cycling around the track on a [[fold-up bike]] he brought with him.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hilton|first=Christopher|title=Michael Schumacher: The whole story|publisher=Haynes|year=2006|isbn=978-1-84425-008-0|pages=62–66|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000hilt/page/62/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref>

In his debut, Schumacher impressed the paddock by [[Qualifying (Formula One)|qualifying]] seventh;<ref name="Gibson 2016">{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Sean |date=25 August 2016 |title=25 reasons why Michael Schumacher is the greatest F1 driver of all time |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/08/25/25-reasons-why-michael-schumacher-is-the-greatest-f1-driver-of-a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703231410/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/08/25/25-reasons-why-michael-schumacher-is-the-greatest-f1-driver-of-a/ |archive-date=3 July 2017 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> he did so in a midfield car, the [[Jordan 191]], which he drove half a day of testing and at a track he had never raced at.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chandhok|first=Karun|date=27 August 2021|title=Driving the F1 icon that launched Schumacher's career|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/driving-the-f1-icon-that-launched-schumachers-career/6652547/|access-date=11 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925050152/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/driving-the-f1-icon-that-launched-schumachers-career/6652547/|url-status=live}}</ref> This also matched the team's season-best grid position, and Schumacher outqualified veteran de Cesaris. ''[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport]]'' journalist [[Joe Saward]] reported that, after qualifying, "clumps of German journalists were talking about 'the best talent since [[Stefan Bellof]]{{' "}}.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hilton|first=Christopher|title=Michael Schumacher: The whole story|publisher=Haynes|year=2006|isbn=978-1-84425-008-0|pages=67–68|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000hilt/page/66/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref> Schumacher retired on the first lap of the race with [[clutch]] problems.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1991 Belgian Grand Prix|url=http://www.formula1.com/results/season/1991/209/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103035509/http://www.formula1.com/results/season/1991/209/|archive-date=3 November 2014|access-date=24 October 2006 <!--|work=Results Archive-->|publisher=Formula One}}</ref>

===Benetton (1991–1995)===
Following his Belgian Grand Prix debut, despite an [[agreement in principle]] between Jordan and Schumacher's Mercedes management that would see the German race for the Irish team for the remainder of the season, Schumacher was engaged by [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]]-Ford for the next race. Jordan applied for an [[injunction]] in the British courts to prevent Schumacher driving for Benetton but lost the case as they had not yet signed a final contract.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Collings|first=Timothy|title=The Piranha Club|publisher=Virgin Books|year=2007|isbn=978-1-85227-907-3|chapter=Welcome to the Piranha Club|url=https://archive.org/details/piranhaclubpower0000coll/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref>

====1991–1993: Maiden points, podiums and wins====
Schumacher finished the {{F1|1991}} season with four points out of six races. His best finish was fifth in his second race, the {{F1 GP|1991|Italian}}, in which he finished ahead of his teammate and three-time World Champion [[Nelson Piquet]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=1991 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1991-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220181205/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1991-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Knuston|first=Dan|date=14 September 2006|title=Knutson: Schumacher as hard on teammates as anyone|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2587932|access-date=9 February 2024|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=30 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230201931/https://www.espn.co.uk/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2587932|url-status=live}}</ref> He also outqualified Piquet four times out of five in the season run-in, and scored only half a point less than him in the time they were together.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/><!--<ref>{{Cite web|title=1991 Driver Standings: Michael Schumacher|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1991/drivers/MICSCH01/michael-schumacher.html|access-date=30 August 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830141737/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1991/drivers/MICSCH01/michael-schumacher.html}}</ref>-->

[[File:Michael Schumacher 1992 Monaco.jpg|thumb|right|Schumacher driving for [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]] in at the {{F1 GP|1992|Monaco}}. In 1992, he achieved the first of his 91 wins.]]
At the start of the {{F1|1992}} season the Sauber team, planning their Formula One debut with Mercedes backing for the following year, invoked a clause in Schumacher's contract that stated that if Mercedes entered Formula One, Schumacher would drive for them. It was eventually agreed that Schumacher would stay with Benetton; [[Peter Sauber]] stated that "[Schumacher] didn't want to drive for us. Why would I have forced him?"<ref>{{Cite book|last=Domenjoz|first=Luc|title=Michael Schumacher: Rise of a genius|publisher=Parragon|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7525-9228-2|page=38|orig-year=2002}}</ref> The year was dominated by the [[Williams FW14B]] of [[Nigel Mansell]] and [[Riccardo Patrese]], featuring powerful [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] engines, [[semi-automatic gearboxes]], and [[active suspension]] to control the car's ride height.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Autocourse 1992–93|publisher=Hazleton Publishing|year=1992|isbn=978-0-905138-96-1|editor-last=Henry|editor-first=Alan|page=50}}</ref> In the conventional [[Benetton B192]], Schumacher took his place on the [[podium]] for the first time, finishing third in the {{F1 GP|1992|Mexican}}. Through what has been described as a tactical masterstroke,<ref name="Gibson 2016" /> he went on to take his first victory at the {{F1 GP|1992|Belgian}}, in a wet race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which by 2003 he would call "far and away my favourite track".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kehm|first=Sabine|title=Michael Schumacher: Driving Force|publisher=Random House|year=2003|isbn=978-0-09-189435-1|page=14|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000schu/page/n17/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref> That also marked as the last [[Formula One car]] to win a Grand Prix while sporting a H-pattern [[manual gearbox]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aggarwal|first=Pranav|date=3 January 2018|title=Remarkable Moments from Michael Schumacher's career|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/most-remarkable-michael-schumacher-career/|access-date=11 February 2024|website=EssentiallySports|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025104755/https://www.essentiallysports.com/most-remarkable-michael-schumacher-career/|url-status=live}}</ref>

From the [[1992 Portuguese Grand Prix]] to the [[1998 Monaco Grand Prix]], Schumacher was not beaten by his teammate when both cars finished. 1992 was also the first of many times that Schumacher beat his teammate through a full season, and [[Martin Brundle]] was fired as a result. Benetton team boss [[Flavio Briatore]] later regretted this decision, saying that he had underestimated the ability of both his drivers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 August 2021|title=1990s F1 Drivers Ranked|url=https://f1-analysis.com/2021/08/15/1990s-supergrid/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=F1 Analysis|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205075740/https://f1-analysis.com/2021/08/15/1990s-supergrid/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship in 1992 with 53 points, three points behind runner-up Patrese and three in front of the Brazilian [[Ayrton Senna]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=1992 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1992-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215111833/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1992-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{Cite web|title=1992 Driver Standings|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1992/drivers.html|access-date=30 August 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922151924/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1992/drivers.html}}</ref>--> According to [[Jo Ramírez]], a close friend of Senna, the Brazilian considered Schumacher "the next big threat, way ahead of all the other drivers around at the time".<ref name="Howell 2003">{{Cite web |last=Howell |first=Norman |date=2 March 2003 |title=So Michael, where did it all go wrong? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/02/features.sportmonthly2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717111417/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/02/features.sportmonthly2 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |access-date=17 July 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

The [[Williams FW15C]] of [[Damon Hill]] and [[Alain Prost]] dominated the {{F1|1993}} season as well. Benetton introduced their own active suspension and [[traction control]] early in the season, last of the frontrunning teams to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1993 <!--|work=Grand Prix Encyclopedia-->|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr538.html|access-date=6 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109030251/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr538.html|archive-date=9 November 2006|postscript=. Benetton first raced traction control at the [[1993 Monaco Grand Prix]], having introduced active suspension at the [[1993 European Grand Prix]] (Domenjoz (2002) p. 40). Williams had first raced an active system in 1987 and used it throughout 1992 (Autocourse (1992) p. 50), while McLaren and Ferrari both introduced active cars in the final races of the 1992 season (Autocourse (1992) pp. 42, 80).}}</ref> Schumacher won one race, the {{F1 GP|1993|Portuguese}} where he beat Prost,<ref name="Beer 2020">{{Cite web|last=Beer|first=Matt|date=11 October 2020|title=Schumacher and Hamilton's best, worst, oddest and wettest wins|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/schumacher-and-hamiltons-best-worst-oddest-and-wettest-wins/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=The Race|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208163435/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/schumacher-and-hamiltons-best-worst-oddest-and-wettest-wins/|url-status=live}}</ref> and had nine podium finishes; he retired in seven of the other 16 races. He finished the season in fourth, with 52 points,<ref>{{Cite web|title=1993 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1993-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230215092216/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1993-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{Cite web|title=1993 Driver Standings|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1993/drivers.html|access-date=30 August 2021|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830141735/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/1993/drivers.html}}</ref>--> beating Patrese as teammate, so much so that Briatore and his team thought that Patrese was washed up and that they had no problem with their car.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Simon|date=7 July 2014|title=Lunch with... Riccardo Patrese|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2010/84/riccardo-patrese/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=10 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210035819/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2010/84/riccardo-patrese/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====1994–1995: Back-to-back World Championships====
[[File:Benetton B 194 4841.JPG|thumb|left|Schumacher drove the [[Benetton B194]] to his first World Championship in 1994.]]
Schumacher won his first [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Drivers' Championship]] in {{F1|1994}}. Driving the [[Benetton B194]], which has been called the worst car to have won a Formula One World Championship and was difficult to drive,<ref>{{Cite magazine|title='The ugly duckling', the story of Benetton's B195|magazine=Autosport|year=2002}}</ref> so much so that Schumacher had three different teammates ([[JJ Lehto]], [[Jos Verstappen]], and [[Johnny Herbert]]) due to crashes, Schumacher won the first four races and finished the season with eight wins.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Velasco|first=Paul|date=3 February 2020|title=Benetton B194: The car that launched the Michael Schumacher Legend|url=https://www.paddock-legends.com/en/news/benetton-b194-the-car-that-launched-the-michael-schumacher-legend-2020-02-03/b-77/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Paddock Legends}}</ref> He won six of the first seven races, including the {{F1 GP|1994|Brazilian}} in which he lapped the entire field,<ref name="Foster 2024"/> and was leading the {{F1 GP|1994|Spanish}}, before a gearbox failure left him stuck in fifth gear for most of the race.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Schumacher made two [[pit stop]]s without stalling and finished the race in second place. Benetton boss Flavio Briatore stated that Schumacher's drive was one of the best he had ever seen.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 April 2003|title=A return to racing – Spanish Grand Prix 1994|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2003/4/288.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517003958/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2003/4/288.html|archive-date=17 May 2008|access-date=26 May 2008|publisher=Formula One}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 October 2020|title=Nine lost F1 wins that stopped Schumacher reaching 100|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/nine-lost-f1-wins-that-stopped-schumacher-reaching-100/|access-date=17 July 2023|website=The Race|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717124456/https://the-race.com/formula-1/nine-lost-f1-wins-that-stopped-schumacher-reaching-100/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 1994 season was marred by the [[death of Ayrton Senna]], which was witnessed by Schumacher who was directly behind Senna, and that of [[Roland Ratzenberger]] during the {{F1 GP|1994|San Marino}}; there were also [[allegations of cheating during the 1994 Formula One season]] involving several teams, most particularly Schumacher's Benetton, having allegedly broken the sport's technical regulations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Saward|first=Joe|author-link=Joe Saward|date=11 August 1994|title=Globetrotter: Rocking the boat|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gt/gt00044.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929033558/http://www.grandprix.com/gt/gt00044.html|archive-date=29 September 2008|access-date=28 August 2008|website=GrandPrix.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Domenjoz|first=Luc|title=Michael Schumacher: The Rise of a Genius|publisher=[[Parragon]]|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7525-9228-2|pages=44–47|orig-year=2002}}</ref> Following the San Marino Grand Prix, the Benetton, [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], and [[McLaren]] teams were investigated on suspicion of breaking the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]]-imposed ban on electronic aids. Benetton and McLaren initially refused to hand over their [[source code]] for investigation. When they did so, the FIA discovered hidden functionality in both teams' software but no evidence that it had been used in a race. Both teams were fined $100,000 for their initial refusal to cooperate. The McLaren software, which was a gearbox program that allowed automatic shifts, was deemed legal. By contrast, the Benetton software was deemed to be a form of launch control that would have allowed Schumacher to make perfect starts, which was explicitly outlawed by the regulations; Benetton and [[Willem Toet]], a Formula One [[aerodynamicist]] for over thirty years who worked at Benetton until 1994, stated that traction control was legally achieved through [[rotational inertia]].<!--https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-rotational-inertia-led-traction-control-willem-toet/ See also https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/f1-broken-rules-fire-willem-toet/--> There was no evidence to suggest the software was used.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Williams|first=Richard|title=The Death of Ayrton Senna|publisher=Bloomsbury|year=1999|isbn=978-0-7475-4495-1|pages=177–179}}</ref>

At the {{F1 GP|1994|British}}, Schumacher was penalised for overtaking Hill on the [[formation lap]]. He and Benetton then ignored the penalty and the subsequent [[Black flag (racing flags)|black flag]], which indicates that the driver must immediately return to the pits, for which he was disqualified and later given a two-race ban. Benetton blamed the incident on a communication error between the stewards and the team.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hilton|first=Christopher|title=Michael Schumacher: The whole story|publisher=Haynes|year=2006|isbn=978-1-84425-008-0|pages=118–120|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000hilt/page/118/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref> Schumacher was also disqualified after winning the {{F1 GP|1994|Belgian}}, after his car was found to have illegal wear on its [[skid block]], a measure used after the accidents at Imola to limit [[downforce]] and hence cornering speed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Belgian GP, 1994 <!--|work=Grand Prix Encyclopedia-->|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr559.html|access-date=13 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318032619/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr559.html|archive-date=18 March 2006}}</ref> Benetton protested that the skid block had been damaged when Schumacher spun over a kerb; the FIA rejected their appeal because of the pattern of wear and damage visible on the block.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hilton|first=Christopher|title=Michael Schumacher: The whole story|publisher=Haynes|year=2006|isbn=978-1-84425-008-0|page=142|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000hilt/page/142/mode/2up|url-access=registration}}</ref> The two-race ban punishment was seen by many observers as petty and insignificant, and that it was a result of Benetton feud with the FIA, with Schumacher being a victim and the FIA trying to deny him his first World Championship.<ref name="Sports Illustrated 1995">{{Cite web|date=17 July 1995|title=Road Warrior Michael Schumacher Has Made A Splash as the World's Top Race, Despite His Battle with Formula One Leadership|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/07/17/road-warrior-michael-schumacher-has-made-a-splash-as-the-worlds-top-racer-despite-his-battles-with-formula-one-leadership|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Sports Illustrated<!--Vault | SI.com-->|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120011252/https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/07/17/road-warrior-michael-schumacher-has-made-a-splash-as-the-worlds-top-racer-despite-his-battles-with-formula-one-leadership|url-status=live}}</ref> These incidents helped Damon Hill close the points gap, and Schumacher led by a single point going into the final race at the {{F1 GP|1994|Australian}}. On lap 36, Schumacher hit the guardrail on the outside of the track while leading. Hill attempted to pass but as Schumacher's car returned to the track there was a collision on the corner causing them both to retire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1994 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1994-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213100257/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1994-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Schumacher won the Drivers' Championship,<ref name="Benson 2006">{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=28 May 2006 |title=Schumacher's chequered history |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/motorsport/formula_one/5024532.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831141514/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/motorsport/formula_one/5024532.stm |archive-date=31 August 2007 |access-date=15 June 2007 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> the first German to do so—[[Jochen Rindt]] (the only posthumous Drivers' Champion) was German but raced under the Austrian flag, and whose domination in {{F1|1970}} was later equalled by Schumacher.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hill|first=Matt|date=15 January 2015|title=The Champion That Never Saw the Final Flag Fall|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/573860-the-champion-that-never-saw-the-final-flag-fall|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Bleacher Report|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205170043/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/573860-the-champion-that-never-saw-the-final-flag-fall|url-status=live}}</ref> The race stewards judged it as a racing accident and took no action against either driver. Although the Drivers' Championship had been decided in a similar manner in 1989 and 1990,<ref name="Walfisz 2023"/> public opinion was divided over the incident,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Henry|first=Alan|url=https://archive.org/details/wheeltowheelgrea0000henr/page/116/mode/2up|title=Wheel to Wheel: Great Duels of Formula One Racing|publisher=Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated|year=1998|isbn=978-0-7538-0522-0|page=117|orig-year=1996|url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 October 1999|title=Now we are 76...: Murray Walker|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft00341.html|access-date=30 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203081029/http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft00341.html|archive-date=3 December 2007}}</ref> and Schumacher was vilified in the British media.<ref name="GrandPrix.com 1997">{{Cite news|date=3 November 1997|title=The lost honor of Michael Schumacher|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns01331.html|access-date=24 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206052410/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns01331.html|archive-date=6 February 2007}}</ref><ref name="Molinaro 2006">{{Cite news|last=Molinaro|first=John F.|date=12 September 2006|title=Top 10 Michael Schumacher Moments|work=CBC Sports|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/10-schumacher-momments.html|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103093347/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/10-schumacher-momments.html|archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> At the FIA conference after the race, Schumacher dedicated his title to Senna.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 1994|title=Today in History |publisher= Deutsche Welle|url=http://www.todayinhistory.de/index.php?what=thmanu&manu_id=1644&tag=13&monat=11&year=2013&dayisset=1&lang=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015458/http://www.todayinhistory.de/index.php?what=thmanu&manu_id=1644&tag=13&monat=11&year=2013&dayisset=1&lang=en|archive-date=17 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|website=Todayinhistory.de}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Schumacher 1995 Britain 2.jpg|thumb|Schumacher driving for Benetton in 1995 at the {{F1 GP|1995|British}}. That year, he won his second World Championship.]]
In {{F1|1995}}, Schumacher successfully defended his title with Benetton, which now had the same Renault engine as [[Williams Grand Prix Engineering|Williams]]; according to ''Motor Sport'' magazine, Benetton had the better team, while Williams had the superior car.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Simmons|first=Marcus|date=7 July 2014|title=How the war was won|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1995/16/how-the-war-was-won|access-date=30 August 2021|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830141737/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1995/16/how-the-war-was-won}}</ref> Schumacher accumulated 33 more points than second-placed Hill. With Herbert as teammate, he took Benetton to its first [[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|Constructors' Championship]], breaking the dominance of McLaren and Williams, and became the youngest two-time World Champion in Formula One history.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Throwback: The 1995 Formula One season in photos|work=Fox Sports|url=https://www.foxsports.com/motor/gallery/the-1995-f1-season-images-030515|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143406/https://www.foxsports.com/motor/gallery/the-1995-f1-season-images-030515|archive-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> The season was marred by several collisions with Hill, in particular an overtaking manoeuvre by Hill took them both out of the {{F1 GP|1995|British}} on lap 45, and again on lap 23 of the {{F1 GP|1995|Italian}}; it also saw one of his career's best overtakes, with the one over [[Jean Alesi]] giving him the win at the {{F1 GP|1995|European}},<ref name="Foster 2024"/> after he reduced the half a minute gap in the final dozen laps.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Schumacher won 9 of the 17 races, including the {{F1 GP|1995|French}},<ref name="Sports Illustrated 1995"/> and finished on the podium 11 times. It was only once that he qualify worse than fourth; at the {{F1 GP|1995|Belgian}}, he qualified 16th but nevertheless went on to win the wet-dry race,<ref>{{Cite web|title=1995 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1995-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923184640/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1995-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11995565/belgian-gp-1995-watchalong-michael-schumacher-vs-damon-hill-at-wet-and-dramatic-spa|title=Belgian GP 1995 Watchalong: Michael Schumacher vs Damon Hill at wet Spa|date=27 May 2020|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|access-date=14 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614084735/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11995565/belgian-gp-1995-watchalong-michael-schumacher-vs-damon-hill-at-wet-and-dramatic-spa|archive-date=14 June 2020}}</ref> finishing 16 seconds ahead of Hill,<ref name="Foster 2024"/> with whom he had ferocious wheel-to-wheel racing and involved some crucial strategic calls.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> His bad qualifying was a result of a crash he had in the final free practice, and by the time his car was rebuilt, it had started to rain; this ended his 56-race streak of outqualifiyng his teammates that started in 1992, after he missed a gear in qualifying in [[1991 Australian Grand Prix|Adelaide in 1991]] and was outqualified by Nelson Piquet.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kabra|first=Akshat|date=14 December 2023|title='He was not outqualified by a teammate for 4 years' – Mind-boggling Michael Schumacher statistic shared by F1 pundit|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-he-outqualified-teammate-4-years-mind-boggling-michael-schumacher-statistic-shared-f1-pundit|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Sportskeeda.com}}</ref>

===Ferrari (1996–2006)===
In {{F1|1996}}, Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers' Championship in {{F1|1979}} and the Constructors' Championship in {{F1|1983}}, for a salary of $60 million over two years. He left Benetton a year before his contract with them expired; he later cited the team's damaging actions in 1994 as his reason for opting out of his deal.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Cooper|first=Steve|date=August 2007|title=McLaren dream team turns into nightmare|magazine=Autosport|volume=189|issue=6|pages=6–8}}</ref> In 1997, Schumacher lured Benetton employees [[Rory Byrne]] (designer) and [[Ross Brawn]] (technical director) to Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hamilton|first=Maurice|date=18 April 2009|title=Brawn has the brains and grace to turn any formula one team into a world-beater|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/18/ross-brawn-formula-one-success|access-date=30 August 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830141928/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/18/ross-brawn-formula-one-success}}</ref> Ferrari had previously come close to the championship in {{F1|1982}} and {{F1|1990}}. The team had suffered a disastrous downturn in the early 1990s, partially as its famous [[V12 engine]] was no longer competitive against the smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient [[V10]]s of its competitors. Various drivers, notably Alain Prost, had given the vehicles disparaging labels, such as "truck", "pig", and "accident waiting to happen".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baker|first=Andrew|date=20 October 2006|title=Switch the key to Ferrari revival|publisher=Telegraph Sport|location=London|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2006%2F10%2F20%2Fsmbake20.xml&site=2&page=0|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915114111/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/10/20/smbake20.xml&site=2&page=0|archive-date=15 September 2012}}</ref> Furthermore, the poor performance of the Ferrari pit crews was considered a running joke.<ref name="Sapa 2006">{{Cite web |last=Sapa |date=11 September 2006 |title=The greatest driver of all time! |url=http://www.superwheels.co.za/default.asp?id=4846&des=sportstalk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927153411/http://www.superwheels.co.za/default.asp?id=4846&des=sportstalk |archive-date=27 September 2006 |access-date=24 October 2006 |website=SuperWheels}}</ref> At the end of 1995, although the team had improved into a solid competitor, it was still considered inferior to front-running teams like Benetton and Williams.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Autocourse 1996–97|title-link=Autocourse|publisher=Hazleton Publishing|year=1996|isbn=978-1-874557-91-3|editor-last=Henry|editor-first=Alan|editor-link=Alan Henry|pages=46–48}}</ref> Schumacher declared the [[Ferrari F310]] good enough to win a championship,<ref>{{Cite news|last=George|first=Patrick|title=Remember Michael Schumacher's Incredible First Win For Ferrari?|work=Jalopnik|url=https://jalopnik.com/remember-michael-schumachers-incredible-first-win-for-f-1677242856|date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143452/https://jalopnik.com/remember-michael-schumachers-incredible-first-win-for-f-1677242856|archive-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> although afterwards his teammate [[Eddie Irvine]] labelled the F310 "an awful car", a "piece of junk", and "almost undriveable", while designer [[John Barnard]] admitted that the car "wasn't very good".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smit|first=Dylan|date=4 January 2019|title=Schumi's Struggle – 1996 Ferrari F310|url=https://drivetribe.com/p/schumis-struggle-1996-ferrari-f310-HrE1B_M7SyCWjnV3t6AGGA?iid=B7NTTml4Tkiewqz7WG1c_A|access-date=1 September 2021|publisher=DriveTribe|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901150402/https://drivetribe.com/p/schumis-struggle-1996-ferrari-f310-HrE1B_M7SyCWjnV3t6AGGA?iid=B7NTTml4Tkiewqz7WG1c_A}}</ref> Irvine also later commented: "The '96 [Ferrari] car was a disaster and was nearly undriveable. Only someone of Michael Schumacher's ability − and maybe Senna – could have driven it."<ref name="Gibson 2016"/>

During winter testing, Schumacher first drove a Ferrari, their 1995 [[Ferrari 412 T2]], and was two seconds faster than former regulars Jean Alesi and [[Gerhard Berger]] had been.<ref name="Benson 2016">{{Cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=14 May 2016|title=Spanish Grand Prix: Why Michael Schumacher's epic 1996 win matters|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/36277172|access-date=15 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515190033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/36277172|archive-date=15 May 2016}}</ref> Alesi and Berger were allowed to drive Schumacher's [[Benetton B195]] with which he won the World Championship in 1995, and they could not believe how Schumacher had won with it, calling it "the ugly ducking" for being so ugly to drive and having many crashes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Allsop|first=Derick|date=10 July 1996|title=Benetton's battle to restore power|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/benetton-s-battle-to-restore-power-1328253.html|access-date=10 February 2024|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 September 2002|title=How driver style and set-up varies: Part Three|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/09/s10532.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030205101122/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/09/s10532.html|archive-date=5 February 2003|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=Formula One}}</ref> In a 1999 interview with his 1994 and 1995 World Championship rival Damon Hill, Schumacher recalled: "You remember when I left Benetton, and [Jean] Alesi and [Gerhard] Berger took their first steps in that Benetton? You remember how many crashes they had? ... I mean, that car was really unbelievable. Really difficult to drive. It was so edgy. But it was fast when you just drove it exactly on that edge. Now, though, there have been a lot of aerodynamic improvements to the cars and so the cars I have driven have been a lot more stable. And that applies to most of the cars today."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=31 October 1999|title=Damon Interview Schumacher<!--The Hill – Schumacher Interview-->|url=http://www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk/happenings/2000/january/120100_ii.html|url-status=dead|magazine=F1 Racing|issue=12 January 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000617133957/http://www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk/happenings/2000/january/120100_ii.html|archive-date=17 June 2000|access-date=10 February 2024}}</ref>

====1996–1999: World Championship challenges and injury====
{{quote box|quote="It was not a race. It was a demonstration of brilliance."|source=[[Stirling Moss]] about Schumacher at the [[1996 Spanish Grand Prix]]<ref>{{Cite news|year=1999|title=The Best of the Best|work=Autosport|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/bra/preview/kalb.html|access-date=5 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174542/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/bra/preview/kalb.html|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>|width=23%|align=right}}
In 1996, Schumacher finished third in the Drivers' Championship and helped Ferrari to second place in the Constructors' Championship ahead of his old team Benetton. During the season, the car had reliability problems; Schumacher did not finish in 7 of the 16 races. At the {{F1 GP|1996|French}}, Schumacher took [[pole position]] but suffered engine failure on the formation lap.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Grand Prix Results: French GP, 1996|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr590.html|access-date=18 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519084239/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr590.html|archive-date=19 May 2007}}</ref> He won three races, more than the team's total tally for the period from 1991 to 1995, despite a poor chassis.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Galvin|first=Max|year=1996|title=Atlas Team F1 Review of 1996|url=https://atlasf1.autosport.com/96/post/galvin2.html|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Atlas F1|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326135823/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/96/post/galvin2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He took his first win for Ferrari at the {{F1 GP|1996|Spanish}}, where he lapped the entire field up to third place in the wet.<ref name="The Beginning 2006"/> After a bad start, which saw him dropping from third to sixth place,<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> before taking the lead on lap 19, he consistently lapped five seconds faster than the rest of the field in the difficult conditions.<ref name="Benson 2016"/> At the {{F1 GP|1996|Belgian}}, he used well-timed pit stops to fend off Williams' [[Jacques Villeneuve]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Belgian GP, 1996|url=https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr594.html|access-date=9 February 2024|website=GrandPrix.com|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030708/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr594.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also took first place at the {{F1 GP|1996|Italian}} to win in front of the ''[[Tifosi (Formula One)|tifosi]]'' (Ferrari fans).<ref>{{Cite web|title=1996 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1996-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101220504/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1996-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportslumo.com/motorsport/1996-italian-gp-when-michael-schumacher-ended-ferraris-drought-at-home-race/|title=1996 Italian GP: When Michael Schumacher ended Ferrari's drought at home race|last=Dias|first=Shayne|date=8 September 2021|website=SportsLumo|access-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908192315/https://sportslumo.com/motorsport/1996-italian-gp-when-michael-schumacher-ended-ferraris-drought-at-home-race/|archive-date=8 September 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Schumacher 1997.jpg|thumb|Schumacher celebrates a second-place finish at the {{F1 GP|1997|German}} in 1997, the year he brought Ferrari to a Drivers' Championship challenge.]]
Schumacher and Villeneuve competed for the title in {{F1|1997}}, despite never sharing a podium and almost never battling directly on the track,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roebuck|first=Nigel|date=7 July 2014|title=F1 1997: the same old story?|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1997/38/f1-1997-same-old-story/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208044717/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1997/38/f1-1997-same-old-story/|url-status=live}}</ref> in what has been described as the sport's most dramatic and controversial season finale.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=26 October 2017|title=Untold story: When Schumacher met Villeneuve in the bar after Jerez '97|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/schumacher-villeneuve-jerez-1997-untold-story-970564/1373031/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022659/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/schumacher-villeneuve-jerez-1997-untold-story-970564/1373031/|url-status=live}}</ref> Villeneuve, driving the superior [[Williams FW19]], led the championship in the early part of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 October 2003|title=Friday Press Conference|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r713fqreport.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121002/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r713fqreport.html|archive-date=29 September 2007|access-date=8 November 2006|website=GrandPrix.com}}</ref> Schumacher’s first win of the season came at the wet {{F1 GP|1997|Monaco}}, in which he took a six-second lead after one lap.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> By mid-season, despite possibly driving not even the second-fastest car on the grid,<ref name="Williams-Smith 2020">{{Cite web|last=Williams-Smith|first=Jake|date=26 October 2020|title=Michael Schumacher's moment of madness at Jerez 1997|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/michael-schumachers-moment-of-madness-at-jerez-1997/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208042300/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/michael-schumachers-moment-of-madness-at-jerez-1997/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher had taken the championship lead, winning five races, and entered the season's finale (the {{F1 GP|1997|European}} at the [[Jerez circuit]]) with a one-point advantage.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1997 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1997-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213100255/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1997-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=26 October 2017|title=Villeneuve takes title as Schumacher's attack gets him thrown out|url=https://www.racefans.net/2017/10/26/1997-european-grand-prix/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=14 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014233816/https://www.racefans.net/2017/10/26/1997-european-grand-prix/|url-status=live}}</ref> In qualifying, Schumacher set the same fastest lap as Villeneuve and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. He started in second position as Villeneuve set his fastest lap first but was able to jump him at the start.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weeks|first=Jim|date=27 October 2016|title=Collision and Collusion: The Story of the 1997 Formula 1 Title Decider|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/collision-and-collusion-the-story-of-the-1997-formula-1-title-decider/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Vice|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208044717/https://www.vice.com/en/article/z4a3z4/collision-and-collusion-the-story-of-the-1997-formula-1-title-decider|url-status=live}}</ref> Towards the end of the race, Schumacher's Ferrari developed a coolant leak and loss of performance indicating he might not finish the race.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 November 2012|title=Michael Schumacher: Seven Time World Champion|url=http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/motorsports/michael-schumacher-seven-time-world-champion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730095618/http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/motorsports/michael-schumacher-seven-time-world-champion/|archive-date=30 July 2013|access-date=18 January 2014|website=eMercedesBenz}}</ref> As Villeneuve approached to pass his rival on lap 48, Schumacher turned in on him but retired from the race. Villeneuve went on and scored four points to take the championship. Despite public outcry, the race stewards did not initially award any penalty, as they had deemed it a racing incident;<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Roebuck|first=Nigel|date=3 November 1997|title=Among the elite|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=9711233497&site=ehost-live|magazine=Autoweek|volume=47|issue=44|pages=52|url-access=subscription|access-date=20 January 2021|via=EBSCO|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022704/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=9711233497&site=ehost-live|url-status=live}}</ref> two weeks after the race, in an unprecedented move,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=26 October 2017|title=Villeneuve takes title as Schumacher's attack gets him thrown out|url=https://www.racefans.net/2017/10/26/1997-european-grand-prix/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=14 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014233816/https://www.racefans.net/2017/10/26/1997-european-grand-prix/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher was disqualified from the entire 1997 Drivers' Championship after an FIA disciplinary hearing found that his "manoeuvre was an instinctive reaction and although deliberate not made with malice or premeditation, it was a serious error."<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 November 1997|title=Schumacher loses championship runner-up crown|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/29895.stm|access-date=5 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420201617/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/29895.stm|archive-date=20 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="FIA 1997">{{Cite news|date=11 November 1997|title=FIA World Motor Sport Council – 11&nbsp;November 1997|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|url=http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/2064282370__11_11_1997_WMSC.pdf|access-date=29 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102031434/http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/2064282370__11_11_1997_WMSC.pdf|archive-date=2 November 2006}}</ref> Initially feeling wronged, Schumacher accepted the decision and admitted having made a mistake,<ref name="GrandPrix.com 1997"/> upon seeing the footage when he got out of the car and adrenaline had worn off.<ref name="Williams-Smith 2020"/> His actions were widely condemned in British, German, and Italian newspapers.<ref name="GrandPrix.com 1997"/><ref name="Molinaro 2006"/> Another view is that Villeneuve went into the corner too fast; without Schumacher turning into him, he would have overshot the turn and ended up in the gravel.<ref>{{cite book|last=Allen|first=James|url=https://archive.org/details/michaelschumache0000alle|title=Michael Schumacher : Driven to Extremes|publisher=Bantam Books|year=2000|isbn=978-0-553-81214-5|page=26|url-access=registration|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Domenjoz|first1=Luc|title=Michael Schumacher: Rise of a Genius|publisher=Chronosports|year=2006|isbn=978-2-84707-124-5|edition=5th|page=26}}</ref> In later years, Villeneuve himself admitted that he "would never have made that corner without [Schumacher's] push", and Schumacher stated in 2009 that if he could have his career over again, he would "do some things differently", citing Jerez 1997 as something that he would have changed in his career.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 November 2009|title=Schumacher: I would change Jerez '97 if I could... <!--| F1 | Crash-->|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/154568/1/schumacher-admits-he-would-change-jerez-97-if-he-could|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Crash.net|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208044717/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/154568/1/schumacher-admits-he-would-change-jerez-97-if-he-could|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=11 November 2009|title=Schumi: I Regret 1997|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/schumi-i-regret-1997_sto2119696/story.shtml|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Eurosport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022657/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/schumi-i-regret-1997_sto2119696/story.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Suttil|first=Josh|date=12 December 2021|title=Inside stories from F1's last title-deciding scandal|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/inside-stories-from-f1s-last-title-deciding-scandal/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=The Race|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022724/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/inside-stories-from-f1s-last-title-deciding-scandal/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Schumacher and Coulthard in the 1998 British Grand Prix.jpg|thumb|left|Schumacher battles with [[David Coulthard]] in 1998 at the {{F1 GP|1998|British}}. For the second consecutive year, Schumacher lost out the World Championship at the last race.]]
In {{F1|1998}}, Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen became Schumacher's main title rival. Driving the superior [[McLaren MP4/13]], Häkkinen won the first two races of the season, gaining a 16-point advantage over Schumacher, who then won the {{F1 GP|1998|Argentine}}. With the Ferrari improving significantly in the second half of the season, Schumacher took six victories and had five other podium finishes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1998 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1998-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213091515/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1998-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> One of his victories was at the {{F1 GP|1998|Hungarian}}, a track where overtaking is difficult and that favoured McLaren;<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Schumacher drove 19 consecutive qualifying-like laps to make Ross Brawn's alternative three-stop strategy work and to go from third to first place.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|date=30 April 2020|title=Hungary 1998: How a classic Schumacher/Brawn gamble snatched victory from McLaren|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hungary-1998-how-a-classic-schumacher-brawn-gamble-snatched-victory-from.6RIv63NqY0wBnDYlrdJCiC.html|access-date=17 July 2023|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717124454/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hungary-1998-how-a-classic-schumacher-brawn-gamble-snatched-victory-from.6RIv63NqY0wBnDYlrdJCiC.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Brawn had told him: "Michael, you have 19 laps to pull out 25 seconds. We need 19 qualifying laps from you."<ref name="Foster 2024"/> Schumacher ultimately came nine seconds ahead of [[David Coulthard]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shukla|first=Janmeyjay|date=16 August 2022|title=Michael Schumacher drove 19 qualifying laps to win 9 seconds ahead of David Coulthard|url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-when-michael-schumacher-drove-19-qualifying-laps-to-win-9-seconds-ahead-of-david-coulthard/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=The SportsRush|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009184234/https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-when-michael-schumacher-drove-19-qualifying-laps-to-win-9-seconds-ahead-of-david-coulthard/|url-status=live}}</ref> Häkkinen, who started on pole, achieved only a point due to reliability issues.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 August 1998|title=1998: Schumacher strategy sinks McLaren|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/1998-schumacher-strategy-sinks-mclaren-5053011/5053011/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051350/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/1998-schumacher-strategy-sinks-mclaren-5053011/5053011/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ferrari took a [[1–2 finish (motorsport)|1–2 finish]] at the {{F1 GP|1998|French}}, the first Ferrari 1–2 finish since 1990,<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 June 1998|title=French Grand Prix Review|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/98/fra/galvin.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlasf1.com|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022749/http://www.atlasf1.com/98/fra/galvin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and at the {{F1 GP|1998|Italian}},<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> which tied Schumacher with Häkkinen for the lead of the Drivers' Championship with 80 points.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 September 1998|title=Grand Prix of Italy Review|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/98/ita/burley.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlasf1.com|archive-date=11 February 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211062855/http://www.atlasf1.com/98/ita/burley.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Phillips|first=James|date=2 September 2023|title=Remembering Monza '98: A battle of the ages between Schumacher and his fiercest rival|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1002993/italian-grand-prix-1998-monza-michael-schumacher-mika-hakkinen/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=GPfans.com|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022700/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1002993/italian-grand-prix-1998-monza-michael-schumacher-mika-hakkinen/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There were two controversies during the 1998 season. At the {{F1 GP|1998|British}}, Schumacher was leading on the last lap when he turned into the pit lane, crossed the start-finish line, and stopped to serve his [[ten-second stop-go penalty]], which was a result of overtaking the lapped car of [[Alexander Wurz]] during a [[safety car]] period. There was some doubt whether this counted as serving the penalty; because he had crossed the finish line when he came into the pit lane,<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> the win was valid.<ref>{{Cite web|title=British Grand Prix Review|website=Autosport|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/98/bri/burley.html|access-date=24 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930211046/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/98/bri/burley.html|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> The FIA rescinded the penalty due to taking 31 minutes, rather than within the 25 minutes limit, and rejected McLaren's protest.<ref name="Foster 2024"/> At the {{F1 GP|1998|Belgian}}, Schumacher was leading the race by 40 seconds in heavy spray but collided with Coulthard's McLaren when the Scot, a lap down, slowed on the racing line in poor visibility to let Schumacher past. His Ferrari lost a wheel but could return to the pits, although he was forced to retire. Schumacher leaped out of his car and headed to McLaren's garage in an infuriated manner and accused Coulthard of "trying to kill" him. Coulthard admitted five years later that the accident had been his mistake.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 June 2003|title=Crash was my fault, Coulthard admits|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|agency=Reuters|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430084085.html|access-date=28 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623160610/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430084085.html|archive-date=23 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 July 2003|title=Coulthard issues stark warning|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3047680.stm|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307012944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3047680.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> From a possible three-point lead, Schumacher was still seven points behind Häkkinen. Heading into the final race, the {{F1 GP|1998|Japanese}}, Häkkinen held a four-point advantage over Schumacher, who started on pole but stalled and caused the start to be aborted, which meant he had to start from the back of the field. He made a comeback up to third but retired after hitting debris from an accident.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knutson|first=Dan|date=18 October 2006|title=Knutson: Word to the wise? Schumacher finds ways|url=https://www.espn.com.au/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2630479|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.espn.com.au/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2630479|url-status=live}}</ref> Häkkinen won the Drivers' Championship by winning the final two races despite Schumacher being the polesitter both times,<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 September 1998|title=Grand Prix of Luxembourg Review|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/98/lux/ryder.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlasf1.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/http://www.atlasf1.com/98/lux/ryder.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 November 1998|title=Grand Prix of Japan Review|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/98/jpn/burley.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlasf1.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051340/http://www.atlasf1.com/98/jpn/burley.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=3 March 2022|title=Schumacher's 1998 Japanese GP Ferrari for sale|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumachers-1998-japanese-gp-ferrari-for-sale/8670795/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051349/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumachers-1998-japanese-gp-ferrari-for-sale/8670795/|url-status=live}}</ref> continuing Ferrari's longest World Championship drought.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=29 November 2008|title=The championship droughts of Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Benetton/Renault|url=https://www.racefans.net/2008/11/29/the-championship-droughts-of-ferrari-mclaren-williams-and-benettonrenault/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.racefans.net/2008/11/29/the-championship-droughts-of-ferrari-mclaren-williams-and-benettonrenault/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=8 October 2013|title=Breaking Down Ferrari's Biggest Droughts in Formula 1 History|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1802690-breaking-down-ferraris-biggest-droughts-in-formula-1-history|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Bleacher Report|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1802690-breaking-down-ferraris-biggest-droughts-in-formula-1-history|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=11 August 2022|title=These are Ferrari's longest title droughts in F1 history|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/124642/these-are-ferrari-s-longest-title-droughts-in-f1-history.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=GPblog.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/124642/these-are-ferrari-s-longest-title-droughts-in-f1-history.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In {{F1|1999}}, Schumacher's efforts helped Ferrari win the Constructors' Championship, the team's first title since 1983. He lost his chance to win the Drivers' Championship at the {{F1 GP|1999|British}} at the high-speed Stowe Corner; his car's rear brake failed, sending him off the track into the barriers and resulting in a broken leg.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 July 1999|title=Schumacher out of action|website=GrandPrix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns02071.html|access-date=25 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509111246/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns02071.html|archive-date=9 May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lupini|first=Michele|year=1999|title=Suzuka Showdown|url=https://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/jpn/preview/lupini.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlas F1|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628022729/https://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/jpn/preview/lupini.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Roebuck|first=Nigel|date=20 December 2013|title=The farce of the 1999 title decider|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/farce-1999-title-decider/|access-date=5 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205203136/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/farce-1999-title-decider/|url-status=live}}</ref> During his 98-day absence, he was replaced by Finnish driver [[Mika Salo]]. About his return, Schumacher's teammate Eddie Irvine recalled: "It was amazing. I remember me and Mika Salo were testing at Mugello, which is one of the hardest circuits in the world – and he [Schumacher] hadn't driven for eight months. He got in the car and within a lap he was a tenth or two tenths slower than I was. How do you do that? And then of course a couple of laps later he's half a second quicker and [[1–2 finish (motorsport)|–]] it's just impossible. It's really really annoying, but it was an honour to be able to see his [[telemetry]] and see the things he could do with a car."<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> After missing six races, he made his return at the inaugural {{F1 GP|1999|Malaysian}}, qualifying in pole position with his career's greatest pole margin,<!--https://gpracingstats.com/drivers/michael-schumacher/pole-positions/--> with his time faster than Eddie Irvine by almost a second.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> He then assumed the role of second driver, helping Irvine to victory and assisting his teammate's bid to win the Drivers' Championship for Ferrari,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drivers: Michael Schumacher|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-schmic.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117084139/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-schmic.html|archive-date=17 November 2006|access-date=30 November 2006|website=GrandPrix.com}}</ref> with Irvine leading the championship by one point.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1999 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1999-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=5 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305071733/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1999-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> About Schumacher's role, Irvine stated: "He is not only the best driver in the world, he is also the best number two in the world."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Masefield|first=Fraser|date=2 September 2013|title=Ranking the Top 10 Number 2 Drivers in Formula 1 History|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1758585-ranking-the-top-10-number-2-drivers-in-formula-1-history|access-date=17 July 2023|website=Bleacher Report|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717111419/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1758585-ranking-the-top-10-number-2-drivers-in-formula-1-history|url-status=live}}</ref> In the last race of the season, the {{F1 GP|1999|Japanese}}, Häkkinen won his second consecutive title after he beat him off the line. Schumacher later said that Häkkinen was "the best opponent I've had" and the one he respected the most.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Donaldson|first=Gerald|year=2016|title=Hall of Fame – World Champions: Mika Hakkinen|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/hall-of-fame/Mika_Hakkinen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209184447/https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/hall-of-fame/Mika_Hakkinen.html|archive-date=9 February 2018|access-date=28 May 2018|publisher=Formula One}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=8 April 2020|title=The race that unearthed Schumacher's greatest rival|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-race-that-unearthed-schumachers-greatest-rival/4778531/|access-date=10 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409141248/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-race-that-unearthed-schumachers-greatest-rival/4778531/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2000–2004: Five consecutive World Championships====
[[File:Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2001 (8968595731) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Schumacher driving for Ferrari in 2001 at the {{F1 GP|2001|Spanish}}. The year prior, he had won Ferrari's first Drivers' Championship since 1979.]]
In {{F1|2000}}, Schumacher won his third Drivers' Championship, his first with Ferrari, after a year-long battle with Häkkinen. Schumacher won the first three races of the season and five of the first eight. Midway through the year, Schumacher's chances suffered with three consecutive non-finishes, allowing Häkkinen to close the gap in the standings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2000 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2000-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023342/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2000-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2000|German}} qualifying session, which was largely decided in the opening 10 minutes of semi-dry weather, Schumacher was able to improve his time in the final seconds and qualified second. In the race, he retired after crashing out at the start, as his new teammate [[Rubens Barrichello]] took his maiden win from 18th.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Häkkinen then took another two victories, before Schumacher won at the {{F1 GP|2000|Italian}}, his 41st career win.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> At the post-race press conference, after equalling the number of wins won by his idol Ayrton Senna, Schumacher broke into tears.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=21 April 2004|title=A death that shocked the world|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3605579.stm|access-date=21 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124011903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3605579.stm|archive-date=24 November 2010}}</ref> The championship fight came down to the penultimate race of the season, the {{F1 GP|2000|Japanese}}. Starting from pole position, Schumacher lost the lead to Häkkinen at the start.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> After his second pit stop, Schumacher came out ahead of Häkkinen and went on to win the race and the Drivers' Championship;<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 December 2013|title=Michael Schumacher's best races – Japanese Grand Prix 2000|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/25549884|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020204256/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/25549884|archive-date=20 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mackley|first=Stefan|date=8 July 2020|title=The day Schumacher ended Ferrari's 21-year wait for F1 glory|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-day-schumacher-ended-ferraris-21-year-wait-for-f1-glory-4981356/4981356/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-day-schumacher-ended-ferraris-21-year-wait-for-f1-glory-4981356/4981356/|url-status=live}}</ref> he later described it as the fight of his life.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 May 2020|title=Race of my life: Michael Schumacher on the 2000 Japanese GP|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/race-of-my-life-michael-schumacher-on-the-2000-japanese-gp-4982378/4982378/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051355/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/race-of-my-life-michael-schumacher-on-the-2000-japanese-gp-4982378/4982378/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Schumacher won more than twice as many Grands Prix as Häkkinen, [[BBC Sport]] journalist Andrew Benson stated that "the challenge from Mika Hakkinen and McLaren-Mercedes was far stronger than the raw statistics suggest" and that the [[Adrian Newey]]-designed McLaren was "the fastest car in F1 for the third straight year". Benson also hailed Schumacher as "unquestionably the greatest driver of his era".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=22 October 2000|title=Harder than it looked for Schumacher|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/984828.stm|access-date=30 August 2021|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830180404/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/984828.stm}}</ref>

In {{F1|2001}}, Schumacher took his fourth Drivers' title. Four other drivers won races but none sustained a season-long challenge for the championship.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2001 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2001-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213100259/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2001-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher scored a record-tying nine wins and clinched the World Championship with four races yet to run. He finished the championship with 123 points, 58 ahead of runner-up Coulthard. Season highlights included the {{F1 GP|2001|Spanish}}, where he won after Häkkinen retired on the last lap due to his car's engine blowing up leading Schumacher to say he was sorry for him and that they had been "bloody lucky";<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> {{F1 GP|2001|Canadian}}, where Schumacher finished second to his brother [[Ralf Schumacher|Ralf]], thus scoring the first-ever 1–2 finish by brothers in Formula One;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Prix du Canada – Statistiques|url=http://www.globetrotter.net/gt/grandprix/en/statistiques.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927002728/http://www.globetrotter.net/gt/grandprix/en/statistiques.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|access-date=15 June 2007|publisher=Telus}}</ref> and the {{F1 GP|2001|Belgian}}, in which Schumacher scored his 52nd career win, breaking Alain Prost's record for most career wins that had stood since 1993.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 September 2001|title=Send your tributes to Schumacher|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/sports_talk/1520663.stm|access-date=3 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021022201741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/sports_talk/1520663.stm|archive-date=22 October 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=14 January 2020|title=How Schumacher set a record 91 F1 wins – and Hamilton drew within striking distance|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/01/14/how-schumacher-set-a-record-91-f1-wins-and-hamilton-drew-within-striking-distance/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=24 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724210455/https://www.racefans.net/2020/01/14/how-schumacher-set-a-record-91-f1-wins-and-hamilton-drew-within-striking-distance/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Mschumacher 2002.jpg|thumb|Schumacher driving the [[Ferrari F2002]] at the {{F1 GP|2002|French}}. It was at this race that he clinched the {{F1|2002}} Drivers' Championship, setting the record for the fewest races in locking up the title.]]
In {{F1|2002}}, Schumacher retained his Drivers' Championship. In winning the Drivers' Championship, he equalled the record set by [[Juan Manuel Fangio]] of five World Championships. Ferrari won 15 out of 17 races, and Schumacher won the title with six races remaining in the season, which is still the earliest point in the season for a driver to be crowned World Champion.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Molinaro|first=John C.|date=12 September 2006|title=Top 10 Michael Schumacher moments|work=[[CBC Sports]]|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/10-schumacher-momments.html|access-date=6 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103093347/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/10-schumacher-momments.html|archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> Schumacher broke his own record, shared with Nigel Mansell, of nine race wins in a season, by winning 11 times and finishing every race on the podium. He finished with 144 points, a record-breaking 67 points ahead of the runner-up, his teammate Barrichello. This pair finished nine of the 17 races in the first two places.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 July 2017|title=2002 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2002-f1-world-championship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143415/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2002-f1-world-championship|archive-date=22 March 2018|access-date=9 February 2024|work=Motor Sport}}</ref>

During the 2002 season, there was some controversy at the {{F1 GP|2002|Austrian}},<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 May 2002|title=Formula One: Ferrari team-mate hands Schumacher controversial victory|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/3027644/Formula-One-Ferrari-team-mate-hands-Schumacher-controversial-victory.html|access-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508124120/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/3027644/Formula-One-Ferrari-team-mate-hands-Schumacher-controversial-victory.html|archive-date=8 May 2019|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> where Barrichello was leading but in the final metres of the race, under [[team orders]], slowed down to allow Schumacher to win the race.<ref name="BBC Sport 2002">{{Cite news|date=12 May 2002|title=Schumacher steals Austrian win|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1982612.stm|access-date=24 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515041413/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1982612.stm|archive-date=15 May 2008}}</ref> Although the switching of positions did not break any actual sporting or technical regulation,<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 May 2002|title='Nothing Wrong' with Ferrari's Actions, Says Dennis|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/nothing-wrong-with-ferraris-actions-says-dennis-5059889/5059889/|access-date=5 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205203135/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/nothing-wrong-with-ferraris-actions-says-dennis-5059889/5059889/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Simon|date=7 July 2014|title=Modern Times: Schumacher's Spielberg gift|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2002/20/modern-times-6/|access-date=5 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023253/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2002/20/modern-times-6/|url-status=live}}</ref> as Ferrari did the same at the {{F1 GP|2001|Austrian}} the previous year where Schumacher finished second and Barrichello third,<ref>{{cite news|title=Schumacher ends jinx in controversial finish|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/33649/schumacher-ends-jinx-in-controversial-finish|newspaper=Dawn|location=Pakistan|date=12 May 2002|access-date=16 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916091632/https://www.dawn.com/news/33649/schumacher-ends-jinx-in-controversial-finish|archive-date=16 September 2019}}</ref> it angered fans and it was claimed that the team's actions showed a lack of sportsmanship and respect to the spectators. Many argued that Schumacher did not need to be given wins in only the sixth race of the season, which he would have won anyway, a view also shared by [[Jean Todt]] and Ross Brawn in retrospect,<ref>{{cite news|last=Mancini|first=Stefano|title=Todt: 'Ferrari tradita dai nervi Sembrava impossibile perdere'|url=https://www.lastampa.it/sport/motori/2010/11/18/news/todt-ferrari-tradita-dai-nervi-br-sembrava-impossibile-perdere-1.36992867|work=La Stampa|language=it|date=18 November 2010|access-date=16 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916182037/https://www.lastampa.it/sport/motori/2010/11/18/news/todt-ferrari-tradita-dai-nervi-br-sembrava-impossibile-perdere-1.36992867|archive-date=16 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/221987/austria-gp-2002-decision-was-a-mistake-brawn|title=Austria GP 2002 decision was a mistake – Brawn|last=Walsh|first=Fergal|date=6 February 2017|website=GPToday.net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918081155/https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/221987/austria-gp-2002-decision-was-a-mistake-brawn|archive-date=18 September 2019|access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref> particularly given that he had already won four of the previous five Grands Prix, and that Barrichello had dominated the race weekend up to that point. At the podium ceremony, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step,<ref name="BBC Sport 2002"/> and the Ferrari team incurred a $1 million fine for this disturbance.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 September 2006|title=Record fine for Turks|agency=Reuters|website=Eurosport|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/record-fine-for-turks_sto967344/story.shtml|access-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123121603/http://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/record-fine-for-turks_sto967344/story.shtml|archive-date=23 November 2017}}</ref> Schumacher vowed to pay back Barrichello, and later that same year returned the favour in several races to help him finish second in the standings.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 May 2002|title=Schumacher Vows to Pay Back Barrichello|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-vows-to-pay-back-barrichello-5059832/5059832/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208040006/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-vows-to-pay-back-barrichello-5059832/5059832/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=26 June 2002|title=Ferrari Fined $1 Million over Austrian GP Incident|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ferrari-fined-1-million-over-austrian-gp-incident-5060279/5060279/|access-date=5 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205003326/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ferrari-fined-1-million-over-austrian-gp-incident-5060279/5060279/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|date=16 December 2014|title=Brawn's F1 journey: 'Schumacher and I were in the trenches together'|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2014/30/michael-and-i-had-been-trenches-together/|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023207/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2014/30/michael-and-i-had-been-trenches-together/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2002|United States}}, Schumacher returned the favour,<ref>{{cite web|date=29 September 2002|title=US GP 2002 – Schumacher repays Barrichello favour|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/racereports_others.asp?feature_id=2323&language_id=1&championship_id=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030428224909/http://www.crash.net/f1/racereports_others.asp?feature_id=2323&language_id=1&championship_id=1|archive-date=28 April 2003|access-date=10 December 2023|work=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cavin|first=Curt|date=30 September 2002|title=Classic payback: Schumacher hands USGP victory to Barrichello|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/79126105/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213082616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/79126105/|archive-date=13 December 2023|access-date=12 December 2023|work=The Indianapolis Star|pages=R1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2002-usgp-report/136687107/ R5]|via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon|first=Ian|date=30 September 2002|title=Schu hands victory to Barrichello|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-10089805.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211091033/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-10089805.html|archive-date=11 December 2023|access-date=11 December 2023|work=Irish Examiner}}</ref> by giving Barrichello the win by 0.011 seconds,<ref>{{cite news|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=29 September 2002|title=We Tried to Finish Equal, Says Schumacher|url=https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/sep/report.php/id/8712/.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050127082744/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/sep/report.php/id/8712/.html|archive-date=27 January 2005|access-date=11 December 2023|work=Atlas F1|agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gray|first=Will|date=30 September 2002|title=Paddock Consensus: Schumacher Made a Mistake|url=https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/sep/report.php/id/8724/.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129185709/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/sep/report.php/id/8724/.html|archive-date=29 January 2005|access-date=12 December 2023|work=Atlas F1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 October 2002|title=Barrichello: I was confused too|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/barrichello-i-was-confused-too-5036217/5036217/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728104132/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/barrichello-i-was-confused-too-5036217/5036217/|archive-date=28 July 2021|access-date=12 December 2023|website=Autosport}}</ref> the second-closest margin on the finishing line in Formula One history in a failed [[dead heat]] finish.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 September 2005|orig-date=30 September 2002|title=Schumacher slows, and Barrichello wins|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/09/30/schumacher-slows-and-barrichello-wins/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211091032/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/09/30/schumacher-slows-and-barrichello-wins/|archive-date=11 December 2023|access-date=11 December 2023|work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Brudenell|first=Mike|date=30 September 2002|title=U.S. Grand Prix nearly a dead heat|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-us-grand-prix-nearl/136802845/|access-date=14 December 2023|work=Detroit Free Press|via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}|archive-date=14 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214163900/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-us-grand-prix-nearl/136802845/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cavin|first=Curt|date=1 October 2002|title=Speedway chief OK with finish|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-speedway-chief-ok/136688417/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213082619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-speedway-chief-ok/136688417/|archive-date=13 December 2023|access-date=12 December 2023|work=The Indianapolis Star|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/the-indianapolis-star-speedway-chief-ok/136688429/ D3]|via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> In an unplanned finish,<ref>{{cite web|date=30 September 2002|title='Unplanned' Ferrari finish backfires at US GP|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/onthisday/motorsport/story/2502.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103041338/http://en.espn.co.uk/onthisday/motorsport/story/2502.html|archive-date=3 November 2016|access-date=11 December 2023|publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Collings|first=Timothy|date=1 October 2002|title=Ferrari's tactics defended by Todt|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-ferraris-tactics-de/136739012/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213082620/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3c3BhcGVycy5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZS90aGUtZGFpbHktdGVsZWdyYXBoLWZlcnJhcmlzLXRhY3RpY3MtZGUvMTM2NzM5MDEyLw--|archive-date=13 December 2023|access-date=13 December 2023|work=The Daily Telegraph|page=S8|via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> Schumacher's explanation varied between it being him "returning the favour" for Austria, or trying to engineer a [[formation finish]]—a feat derided as near-impossible in a sport where timings are taken to within a thousandth of a second.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Legard|first=Jonathan|author-link=Jonathan Legard|date=30 September 2002|title=Ferrari's own goal|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2287699.stm|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040721052832/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2287699.stm|archive-date=21 July 2004}}</ref> After the end of the season, the FIA banned "team orders which interfere with the race result";<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wade|first=Stephen|date=28 October 2002|title=Formula One closes door on team orders|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/formula1/2002-10-28-changes_x.htm|access-date=28 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523100138/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/formula1/2002-10-28-changes_x.htm|archive-date=23 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|title=F1 Commission declaration|date=28 October 2002|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|url=http://www.fia.com/gate?action=retrievePage&locale=en_GB&PageID=331368089&printer=on|access-date=30 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326115324/http://www.fia.com/gate?action=retrievePage&locale=en_GB&PageID=331368089&printer=on|archive-date=26 March 2007}}</ref> the ban was lifted for the 2011 season because the ruling was difficult to enforce.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 December 2010|title=F1 chiefs drop the ban on team orders in new rules|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9275796.stm|access-date=27 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107060139/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9275796.stm|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Schumacher Ferrari 2004.jpg|thumb|left|Schumacher at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] in 2004, where he won the {{F1 GP|2004|United States}}. 2004 would be the last of his seven Drivers' Championships (a record shared with [[Lewis Hamilton]] since 2020), five of which were won consecutively from 2000 to 2004.]]
Schumacher broke Fangio's 46-year record of five Drivers' Championships by winning the drivers' title for the sixth time in {{F1|2003}}, after a closely contested battle with his main rivals, which was also a result of lobbying regarding the Michelin tyres.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> Before the season started, the FIA introduced new regulations and a new [[List of Formula One World Championship points scoring systems|points system]] to make the championship more open.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2003 Record World Champion|url=https://michael-schumacher.de/en/saison/2003/|access-date=30 August 2021|website=michael-schumacher.de|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830180404/https://michael-schumacher.de/en/saison/2003/}}</ref> The biggest competition came from the McLaren-Mercedes and Williams-[[BMW]] teams. In the first race, Schumacher was run off track, and he was involved in collisions in the following two.<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 March 2003|title=Coulthard takes Melbourne thriller|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2832441.stm|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040628044916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2832441.stm|archive-date=28 June 2004}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=23 March 2003|title=Raikkonen claims maiden win|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2877461.stm|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040615040716/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2877461.stm|archive-date=15 June 2004}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 April 2003|title=Raikkonen wins chaotic race|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2922651.stm|access-date=3 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040426171710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2922651.stm|archive-date=26 April 2004}}</ref> He fell 16 points behind McLaren's [[Kimi Räikkönen]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 March 2003|title=Raikkonen leads F1 standings after maiden win|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-03-23/raikkonen-leads-f1-standings-after-maiden-win/1822662|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-03-23/raikkonen-leads-f1-standings-after-maiden-win/1822662|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the death of his mother Elisabeth just hours before the race,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Williams|first=Richard|date=21 April 2003|title=Schumacher mourns mother on winner's podium|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/apr/21/germany.formulaone|access-date=1 September 2021|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=8 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008150605/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/apr/21/germany.formulaone}}</ref> Schumacher won the {{F1 GP|2003|San Marino}} despite losing the first position going into turn one.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/> He also won the next two races and closed within two points of Räikkönen. Aside from Schumacher's victory at the {{F1 GP|2003|Canadian}} and Barrichello's victory at the {{F1 GP|2003|British}}, the mid-season was dominated by Williams drivers Ralf Schumacher and [[Juan Pablo Montoya]], who each claimed two victories. After the {{F1 GP|2003|Hungarian}}, Schumacher led Montoya and Räikkönen by only one and two points, respectively. Ahead of the next race, the FIA announced changes to the way tyre widths were to be measured: this forced [[Michelin]], supplier to Williams and McLaren among others, to rapidly redesign their tyres before the {{F1 GP|2003|Italian}}.<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 September 2006|title=FIA stands by tyre rulings|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3092598.stm|access-date=25 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040302044710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3092598.stm|archive-date=2 March 2004}}</ref> Schumacher, running on [[Bridgestone]] tyres, won the next two races. After Montoya was penalised in the {{F1 GP|2003|United States}}, only Schumacher and Räikkönen remained in contention for the title. At the final round, the {{F1 GP|2003|Japanese}}, Schumacher needed only one point whilst Räikkönen needed to win. By finishing the race in eighth place, Schumacher took one point and assured his sixth Drivers' title, ending the season two points ahead of Räikkönen.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 July 2017|title=2003 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2003-f1-world-championship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143735/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/f1/2003-f1-world-championship|archive-date=22 March 2018|access-date=9 February 2024|work=Motor Sport}}</ref>

In {{F1|2004}}, Schumacher won a record 12 of the first 13 races of the season,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Longman|first=Will|date=6 November 2023|title=10 greatest Formula 1 drivers in history|url=https://motorsporttickets.com/blog/10-greatest-formula-1-drivers-in-history/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motorsport Tickets Blog|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106033353/https://motorsporttickets.com/blog/10-greatest-formula-1-drivers-in-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> including the inaugural {{F1 GP|2004|Bahrain}} and the {{F1 GP|2004|Japanese}},<ref>{{Cite web|title=2004 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2004-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202215256/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2004-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mee|first=Lydia|date=1 March 2023|title=Bahrain Grand Prix: Deep Dive into The History of the F1 Event|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/bahrain-grand-prix-deep-dive-into-the-history-of-the-f1-event-lm22|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Sports Illustrated<!--F1 Briefings: Formula 1 News, Rumors, Standings and More-->|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/bahrain-grand-prix-deep-dive-into-the-history-of-the-f1-event-lm22|url-status=live}}</ref> only failing to finish in Monaco after an accident with Montoya during a safety car period.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=24 May 2004|title=Schumacher's run ends in farce and fury|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/may/24/formulaone.formulaone20041|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023212/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/may/24/formulaone.formulaone20041|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=28 May 2004|title=Schumacher Could have Won Monaco, Says Brawn|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-could-have-won-monaco-says-brawn-5065968/5065968/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206052536/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-could-have-won-monaco-says-brawn-5065968/5065968/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2004, Schumacher's win at the {{F1 GP|2004|Hungarian}} contributed to Ferrari's sixth consecutive Constructors' Championship, and he later clinched a seventh Drivers' Championship at the {{F1 GP|2004|Belgian}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|date=29 August 2004|title=Atlas F1 Magazine: 2004 Belgian Grand Prix Review|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/2004/bel/elizalde.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Atlasf1.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206052536/http://www.atlasf1.com/2004/bel/elizalde.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Phelan|first=Mark|date=13 October 2023|title=2004 Belgian Grand Prix: Schumacher's Seventh Drivers' World Championship|url=https://www.formulaonehistory.com/2004-belgian-grand-prix/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=F1 History|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206053355/https://www.formulaonehistory.com/2004-belgian-grand-prix/|url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier in July at the {{F1 GP|2004|French}}, Schumacher beat polesitter [[Fernando Alonso]] with a four-stop strategy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|date=2 April 2020|title=Strategic Masterstrokes: How Ferrari stole victory from Renault with a secret 4-stop plan at France 2004<!--| Formula 1®-->|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.france-2004-how-ferrari-stole-victory-from-renault-with-a-secret-4-stop-plan.7yXeHIzXx8e8JEyBC401ET.html|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=Formula One|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902055156/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.france-2004-how-ferrari-stole-victory-from-renault-with-a-secret-4-stop-plan.7yXeHIzXx8e8JEyBC401ET.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with a record 148 points, 34 points ahead of the runner-up Barrichello, and set a new record of 13 race wins out of a possible 18, surpassing his previous best of 11 wins from the 2002 season.<ref>{{Cite web|year=2006|title=A tribute to Michael Schumacher|url=http://www.f1technical.net/news/3949|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925233429/http://www.f1technical.net/news/3949|archive-date=25 September 2008|access-date=1 December 2007|publisher=F1technical.net}}</ref> Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher achieved five Drivers' Championships, 48 wins, and almost all Formula One records.<ref name="Jeffries 2023">{{Cite web|last=Jeffries|first=Tom|date=26 November 2023|title=The 10 best Formula 1 drivers ever: Hamilton, Senna & more|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/whos-the-best-formula-1-driver-schumacher-hamilton-senna-more-4983210/4983210/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206212526/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/whos-the-best-formula-1-driver-schumacher-hamilton-senna-more-4983210/4983210/|url-status=live}}</ref> With his fifth Drivers' Championship in a row, he also broke Fangio's record of consecutive titles that had stood for nearly fifty years.<ref name="Bitannica 2024">{{Cite web|date=1 January 2024|title=Michael Schumacher {{!}} Biography, Wins, Championships, & Facts {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Schumacher|access-date=8 February 2024|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023208/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Schumacher|url-status=live}}</ref>

====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>

====2007–2009: New roles at Ferrari, motorcycle racing and injury====
[[File:Schumacher test.jpg|thumb|Schumacher at Finali Mondiali celebrations in the [[Ferrari F2007]]. It is the last Ferrari to have won the Driver's Championship since Schumacher.]]
During the {{F1|2007}} season, Schumacher acted as Ferrari's adviser and Jean Todt's super assistant.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 October 2007|title=Schumacher to help Ferrari select drivers|work=Autosport|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/55462|access-date=30 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020041708/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/55462|archive-date=20 October 2007}}</ref> Schumacher also helped Ferrari with their development programme at the Jerez circuit. He focused on testing electronics and tyres for the {{F1|2008}} season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|title=Schumacher stays on top in Barcelona – F1 – Autosport|website=Autosport|date=14 November 2007|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/63934/schumacher-stays-on-top-in-barcelona|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030757/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/63934/schumacher-stays-on-top-in-barcelona|archive-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> During 2008, Schumacher also competed in [[motorcycle racing]] in the [[IDM Superbike]] series. At a Superbike cup race at the [[Pannónia-Ring]], Schumacher finished third out of twenty-seven—behind professional motorcycle racers [[Martin Bauer (motorcyclist)|Martin Bauer]] and [[Andreas Meklau]]—riding a [[Honda CBR1000RR]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Babel|first1=Esther|last2=Wiesinger|first2=Günther|date=22 March 2008|title=Schumi auf 2 Rädern!|trans-title=Schumi on 2 wheels!|url=http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/artikel_1686.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126022646/http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/artikel_1686.html|archive-date=26 January 2009|access-date=17 July 2023|website=Motorsport aktuell|language=de}}</ref>

At the {{F1 GP|2009|Hungarian}} on 25 July 2009, Ferrari's Felipe Massa was seriously injured after being struck by a suspension spring during qualifying. Ferrari announced that they planned to draft in Schumacher for the {{F1 GP|2009|European}} and subsequent Grands Prix until Massa was able to race again.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Michael happy to help|url=http://www.michaelschumacher.de/?page=news&story_id=82078&lang=uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801093856/http://www.michaelschumacher.de/?page=news&story_id=82078&lang=uk|archive-date=1 August 2009|access-date=8 August 2009|website=MichaelSchumacher.de<!--Michael Schumacher – Official Website-->}}</ref> Schumacher tested a modified [[Ferrari F2007]] to prepare himself as he had been unable to test the [[Ferrari F60]] due to testing restrictions.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 July 2009|title=Lealdade custa caro: Schumi ganhará cerca de R$8,5 milhões por corrida|language=pt|website=[[Globo.com]]|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Formula_1/0,,MUL1248620-15011,00.html|access-date=30 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802203026/http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Formula_1/0%2C%2CMUL1248620-15011%2C00.html|archive-date=2 August 2009}}</ref> Ferrari appealed for special permission for Schumacher to test in a {{F1|2009}} season spec car; Williams, [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull]], and [[Scuderia Toro Rosso|Toro Rosso]] were against this test.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 August 2009|title=Williams against Schumacher Ferrari test|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/217204/williams-against-schumacher-ferrari-test/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426175458/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/217204/williams-against-schumacher-ferrari-test/|archive-date=26 April 2012|access-date=1 February 2011|publisher=GPUpdate.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=4 August 2009|title=Red Bull echoes Williams's Ferrari sentiments|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/217220/red-bull-echoes-williams-ferrari-sentiments/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426175541/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/217220/red-bull-echoes-williams-ferrari-sentiments/|archive-date=26 April 2012|access-date=1 February 2011|publisher=GPUpdate.net}}</ref> In the end, Schumacher was forced to call off his return due to the severity of the neck injury he had received in a [[motorcycle]] accident earlier in the year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moulson|first=Geir|date=11 August 2009|title=Schumacher calls off comeback, cites neck injury|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-car-f1-schumacher-081109-2009aug11-story.html|access-date=10 February 2024|website=The San Diego Union-Tribune|archive-date=10 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210051649/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-car-f1-schumacher-081109-2009aug11-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Connolly|first=Kate|date=8 March 2010|title=Michael Schumacher's doctor reveals recovery after neck injury|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/08/michael-schumacher-doctor-neck-injury|access-date=10 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023734/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/08/michael-schumacher-doctor-neck-injury|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Schumacher cancels F1 return|url=http://www.carthusiast.com/schumacher-cancels-f1-return-2056.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814231008/http://www.carthusiast.com/schumacher-cancels-f1-return-2056.html|archive-date=14 August 2009|access-date=12 August 2009|website=Carthuasiast.com}}</ref> Instead, Massa's place was first filled by [[Luca Badoer]] and later on by Fisichella.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 August 2009|title=Schumacher calls off Ferrari return due to neck injury|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20090811-schumacher-calls-off-ferrari-return-due-neck-injury-|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=France 24|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213204027/https://www.france24.com/en/20090811-schumacher-calls-off-ferrari-return-due-neck-injury-|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=3 September 2009|title=Fisichella: Ferrari drive a dream for me|website=Autosport|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78286|access-date=27 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173311/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78286|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Schumacher described this aborted return to Formula One as his "toughest moment".<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 August 2009|title=Schumacher's turmoil over failed F1 comeback|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/08/12/motorsport.schumacher.comeback.massa.press.conference/index.html|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=CNN|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607115822/https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/08/12/motorsport.schumacher.comeback.massa.press.conference/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mercedes (2010–2012)===
{{quote box|quote="He played a crucial role when we re-joined F1 and was one of the people who laid the foundation for our future success. We're extremely grateful for everything he did for us."|source=Mercedes' team principal [[Toto Wolff]] about Schumacher's influence on the Mercedes team<ref>{{Cite news|year=2019|title=Schumacher a 'founding father' of Mercedes success – Wolff|publisher=Formula One|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.schumacher-a-founding-father%27-of-mercedes-success-wolff.1okFZ3mv6kaIicqWKCEaUY.html|access-date=4 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424023737/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.schumacher-a-founding-father%27-of-mercedes-success-wolff.1okFZ3mv6kaIicqWKCEaUY.html|archive-date=24 April 2020}}</ref>|width=23%|align=right}}
In December 2009, Schumacher announced his return to Formula One for the {{F1|2010}} season alongside fellow German driver and 24-year-old [[Nico Rosberg]] in the new Mercedes GP team.<ref name="BBC Sport 2009">{{Cite news|date=23 December 2009|title=Michael Schumacher signs up for F1 return with Mercedes|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm|access-date=23 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521183103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm|archive-date=21 May 2020}}</ref> The {{F1|2009}} season had ended with [[Brawn GP]] (taking over from [[Honda in Formula One|Honda]]) winning both titles,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=23 December 2009|title=Schumacher targets 2010 world title|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-targets-2010-world-title-4435263/4435263/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051357/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-targets-2010-world-title-4435263/4435263/|url-status=live}}</ref> after winning six of the first seven races.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 March 2010|title=Schumacher's return dominates start of F1 season in Bahrain<!--- CNN.com-->|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/03/12/motorsport.F1.schumacher.return.bahrain/index.html|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=CNN|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051340/http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/03/12/motorsport.F1.schumacher.return.bahrain/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the 2010 season, Mercedes returned to the sport as a constructor for the first time since 1955, and Schumacher rejoined team principal Ross Brawn, who was behind all of his seven World Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 December 2009|title=Schumacher signs for Mercedes to return to F1 racing: report|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/schumacher-signs-for-mercedes-to-return-to-f1-racing-report-20091223-lcbo.html|access-date=10 February 2024|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023734/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/schumacher-signs-for-mercedes-to-return-to-f1-racing-report-20091223-lcbo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher stated that his preparations to replace the injured Massa had initiated a renewed interest in Formula One, which, combined with the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition to drive for Mercedes and to be working again with team principal Ross Brawn, led Schumacher to accept the offer once he was passed fit.<ref name="BBC Sport 2009"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Musolino|first=Adrian|date=24 December 2009|title=Schumacher returns for a legacy or misery|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/24/schumacher-returns-for-a-legacy-or-misery/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116201645/https://www.theroar.com.au/2009/12/24/schumacher-returns-for-a-legacy-or-misery/|archive-date=16 November 2018|access-date=24 December 2009|website=The Roar}}</ref> Speaking to the [[BBC]], Schumacher said: "I want to have fun out there and I feel as fresh as ever. I've recharged myself after a three-year break. The challenge is what I look for – I want to know it."<ref name="Gibson 2016" />

Schumacher signed a three-year contract, reportedly worth £20 million.<ref name="BBC Sport 2009"/> Schumacher's comeback was the most high profile in Formula One since [[Niki Lauda]] came out of a two-year retirement for the {{F1|1982}} season to race for McLaren and went on to win a third world title in {{F1|1984}}. He turned 41 in 2010, the same age Nigel Mansell won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix after having stepped in as a substitute following the death of Ayrton Senna,<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 December 2009|title=Schumacher signs up for F1 return|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=21 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521183103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and his prospects with Mercedes were compared with Nigel Mansell, who had won a title at 39 and last competed aged 41; Damon Hill, who competed his final season at 39;<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 December 2009|title=Schumacher signs Mercedes deal|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2009/12/23/schumacher-signs-mercedes-deal|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022190921/https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2009/12/23/schumacher-signs-mercedes-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Juan Manuel Fangio, Formula One's oldest champion who was 46 when he won his fifth title.<ref name="BBC Sport 2009"/>

====2010: Return from retirement====
After having impressed in the free practices, Schumacher finished sixth in the first race of the season at the {{F1 GP|2010|Bahrain}},<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Maurice|date=14 March 2010|title=Michael Schumacher remains steely about his F1 season prospects|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/14/michael-schumacher-f1-bahrain|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023735/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/14/michael-schumacher-f1-bahrain|url-status=live}}</ref> 1,239 days after his previous Formula One race.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gayle|first=Everton|date=23 December 2009|title=Michael Schumacher agrees to Formula One return with Mercedes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/dec/23/michael-schumacher-f1-return-mercedes|access-date=10 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023801/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/dec/23/michael-schumacher-f1-return-mercedes|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished behind teammate Nico Rosberg in each of the first four qualifying sessions and races; former driver [[Stirling Moss]] suggested that Schumacher might be "past it".<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 April 2010|title=Schumacher is 'past it' – Moss|work=ESPN F1|url=http://en.espnf1.com/mercedes/motorsport/story/15453.html|access-date=25 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928093553/http://en.espnf1.com/mercedes/motorsport/story/15453.html|archive-date=28 September 2012}}</ref> Several other former Formula One drivers thought otherwise, including former rival Damon Hill, who warned "you should never write Schumacher off".<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 July 2010|title=Damon Hill: Never, Ever, Ever, Ever Write Off Schumacher|work=The Black Stuff|publisher=The Media Halls|url=http://theblackstuff.co.uk/?p=1438|access-date=25 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331062909/http://theblackstuff.co.uk/?p=1438|archive-date=31 March 2012}}</ref> GrandPrix.com identified the inherent [[Understeer and oversteer|understeer]] of the Mercedes car, exacerbated by the narrower front tyres introduced for the 2010 season, as contributing to Schumacher's difficulties.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 May 2010|title=Will chassis upgrade solve Schumacher woes?|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns22213.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603062851/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns22213.html|archive-date=3 June 2010|access-date=27 May 2010|publisher=Inside F1, inc}}</ref> [[Jenson Button]] would later claim that Mercedes's car was designed for him, as he would initially drive for the team, and that their differing driving styles may have contributed to Schumacher's difficulties.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2010|title=Schumacher's car designed for me – Button|work=WorldCarFans|publisher=Black Falcon Media Group|url=http://www.worldcarfans.com/110072827638/schumachers-car-designed-for-me---button|access-date=13 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009005847/http://www.worldcarfans.com/110072827638/schumachers-car-designed-for-me---button#ixzz17z1I3vRO|archive-date=9 October 2010}}</ref>

Mercedes upgraded their car for the {{F1 GP|2010|Spanish}} where Schumacher finished fourth.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=9 May 2010|title=Progress or favouritism at Mercedes? (Spanish Grand Prix team-by-team)|url=https://www.racefans.net/2010/05/09/progress-or-favouritism-at-mercedes-spanish-grand-prix-team-by-team/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051345/https://www.racefans.net/2010/05/09/progress-or-favouritism-at-mercedes-spanish-grand-prix-team-by-team/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Foster|first=Ed|date=9 May 2010|title=2010 Spanish Grand Prix report|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2010-spanish-grand-prix-report/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motor Sport}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2010|Monaco}}, Schumacher finished sixth after passing Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on the final corner before the finish line when the safety car returned to the pits. Mercedes held that "the combination of the race control messages 'Safety Car in this lap' and 'Track Clear' and the green flags and lights shown by the marshals after safety car line one indicated that the race was not finishing under the safety car and all drivers were free to race."<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 May 2010|title=Mercedes rule out appeal against Schumacher penalty|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8690323.stm|access-date=27 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521073942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8690323.stm|archive-date=21 May 2010}}</ref> An FIA investigation found Schumacher guilty of breaching safety car regulations and awarded him a 20-seconds penalty, dropping him to 12th.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8685542.stm Michael Schumacher penalised for late-race pass] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519131141/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8685542.stm|date=19 May 2010}} [[BBC Sport]] – F1</ref> In doing so, the FIA sought to clarify the regulations post-race, as the new and old rules appeared to be in conflict.<ref name="Gibson 2016"/>

At the {{F1 GP|2010|Turkish}}, Schumacher qualified fifth and finished fourth in the race, both his best results since his return.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spurgeon|first=Brad|date=10 November 2010|title=Michael Schumacher: Return of the Racing King Failed to Dazzle|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/sports/autoracing/27iht-SRSCHUMACHER.html|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024246/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/sports/autoracing/27iht-SRSCHUMACHER.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hill 2010">{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/534308-michael-schumacher-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-his-2010-season|title=Michael Schumacher: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of His 2010 Season|last=Hill|first=Matt|date=4 December 2010|website=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=10 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510102624/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/534308-michael-schumacher-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-his-2010-season|archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2010|European}} in Valencia, Schumacher finished 15th, the lowest recorded finish in his career.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Young|first=Byron|date=27 June 2010|title=Michael Schumacher blasts Valencia Grand Prix stewards|work=Daily Mirror|location=UK|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/motorsport/2010/06/27/michael-schumacher-blasts-valencia-grand-prix-stewards-115875-22365702/|access-date=15 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118145048/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/motorsport/2010/06/27/michael-schumacher-blasts-valencia-grand-prix-stewards-115875-22365702/|archive-date=18 November 2010}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2010|Hungarian}}, Rubens Barrichello attempted to pass Schumacher down the inside on the main straight. Schumacher closed the inside line to force Barrichello onto the outside; Barrichello persisted on the inside at {{convert|180|mph|0|abbr=on}} despite the close proximity of a concrete wall and Schumacher leaving him only inches to spare.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rae|first=Richard|date=1 August 2010|title=Schumacher punished for dangerous move on Barrichello|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8875370.stm|access-date=2 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728214251/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8875370.stm|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2 August 2010|title=Michael Schumacher defended by Ross Brawn after Rubens Barrichello near-miss|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/7922228/Michael-Schumacher-defended-by-Ross-Brawn-after-Rubens-Barrichello-near-miss.html|access-date=27 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123164255/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/7922228/Michael-Schumacher-defended-by-Ross-Brawn-after-Rubens-Barrichello-near-miss.html|archive-date=23 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=3 August 2010|title=2010 Hungarian Grand Prix – the complete F1 Fanatic race weekend review|url=https://www.racefans.net/2010/08/03/2010-hungarian-gp-the-complete-f1-fanatic-race-weekend-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024247/https://www.racefans.net/2010/08/03/2010-hungarian-gp-the-complete-f1-fanatic-race-weekend-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher, who finished 12th,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=1 August 2010|title=Webber grabs Hungary win after Vettel blunder|url=https://www.racefans.net/2010/08/01/webber-grabs-hungary-win-after-vettel-blunder-hungarian-grand-prix-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051354/https://www.racefans.net/2010/08/01/webber-grabs-hungary-win-after-vettel-blunder-hungarian-grand-prix-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Elizalde|first1=Pablo|last2=O'Leary|first2=Jamie|date=1 August 2010|title=The complete 2010 Hungarian GP review|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-2010-hungarian-gp-review-5081086/5081086/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051352/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-2010-hungarian-gp-review-5081086/5081086/|url-status=live}}</ref> was found guilty of dangerous driving and was demoted ten places on the grid for the following race, the {{F1 GP|2010|Belgian}},<ref>{{Cite news|last=Owen|first=Oliver|date=1 August 2010|title=Michael Schumacher hit with grid penalty after 'dangerous manoeuvre'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/aug/01/michael-schumacher-penalty-hungarian-grand-prix|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024247/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/aug/01/michael-schumacher-penalty-hungarian-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref> where he finished seventh despite starting 21st after his grid penalty.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roebuck|first=Nigel|date=30 August 2010|title=2010 Belgian Grand Prix report|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2010-belgian-grand-prix-report/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2010-belgian-grand-prix-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2010|Abu Dhabi}}, Schumacher was involved in a major accident on the first lap, after [[Vitantonio Liuzzi]]'s car collided with Schumacher's, barely missing his head.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 November 2010|title=Schumacher escapes unhurt from crash at Abu Dhabi|work=USA Today|publisher=David Hunke; [[Gannett Company]]|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2010-11-14-3633796092_x.htm|access-date=20 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117173616/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2010-11-14-3633796092_x.htm|archive-date=17 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=14 November 2010|title=Lucky escape for Michael Schumacher after crash with Vitantonio Liuzzi|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/8132363/F1-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-2010-lucky-escape-for-Michael-Schumacher-after-crash-with-Vitantonio-Liuzzi.html|access-date=20 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117081845/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/8132363/F1-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-2010-lucky-escape-for-Michael-Schumacher-after-crash-with-Vitantonio-Liuzzi.html|archive-date=17 November 2010}}</ref> Schumacher finished the season in ninth place with 72 points.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 January 2011|title=Alonso wary of Schumacher threat|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9360338.stm|access-date=9 February 2024|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024330/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9360338.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2010 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2010-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213100327/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2010-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=7 July 2014|title=Michael Schumacher's F1 comeback: 'People think I can only be happy when I win races'|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2011/50/people-think-i-can-only-be-happy-when-i-win-races/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051340/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2011/50/people-think-i-can-only-be-happy-when-i-win-races/|url-status=live}}</ref> For the first time since 1991, Schumacher finished a year without a win, pole position, podium, or fastest lap.<ref name="Hill 2010"/>

====2011–2012: Final podium and second retirement====
[[File:2011 Canadian GP Friday 18.jpg|thumb|In 2011, Schumacher finished fourth in the {{F1 GP|2011|Canadian}}. It was his best result for the season.]]
[[File:Michael Schumacher pole lap monaco 2012.JPG|thumb|In 2012, Schumacher qualified fastest at the {{F1 GP|2012|Monaco}}, for the first time since 2006.]]
[[File:Michael Schumacher, United States Grand Prix, Austin 2012.jpg|thumb|Schumacher at the {{F1 GP|2012|United States}} in 2012. It was his penultimate career race.]]
After starting the {{F1|2011}} season with a retirement,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=28 March 2011|title=Collisions spoil Mercedes' start to the season|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/03/28/2011-australian-grand-prix-mercedes-2/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051404/https://www.racefans.net/2011/03/28/2011-australian-grand-prix-mercedes-2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=29 March 2011|title=2011 Australian Grand Prix: complete race weekend review|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/03/29/2011-australian-grand-prix-complete-race-weekend-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.racefans.net/2011/03/29/2011-australian-grand-prix-complete-race-weekend-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher's first points were scored at the {{F1 GP|2011|Malaysian}} where he finished ninth;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=11 April 2011|title=Schumacher scores for struggling Mercedes|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/04/11/2011-malaysian-grand-prix-mercedes/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051406/https://www.racefans.net/2011/04/11/2011-malaysian-grand-prix-mercedes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher later came sixth in Spain,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=24 May 2011|title=2011 Spanish Grand Prix: complete race weekend review|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/05/24/2011-spanish-grand-prix-complete-race-weekend-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051402/https://www.racefans.net/2011/05/24/2011-spanish-grand-prix-complete-race-weekend-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and he took fourth place at the {{F1 GP|2011|Canadian}},<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=13 June 2011|title=Mercedes: Schumacher misses out on podium|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/06/13/2011-canadian-grand-prix-mercedes/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051359/https://www.racefans.net/2011/06/13/2011-canadian-grand-prix-mercedes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tisshaw|first=Mark|date=2 June 2021|title=Autocar's favourite races: 2011 Canadian Grand Prix|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport-news-f1/autocars-favourite-races-2011-canadian-grand-prix|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autocar|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024333/https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport-news-f1/autocars-favourite-races-2011-canadian-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 June 2023|title=Button's Canada 2011 win is overhyped – we only want to remember a great race|url=https://racingnews365.com/buttons-canada-2011-win-is-overhyped-we-only-want-to-remember-a-great-race|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RacingNews365|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://racingnews365.com/buttons-canada-2011-win-is-overhyped-we-only-want-to-remember-a-great-race|url-status=live}}</ref> after running as high as second in a wet race;<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 June 2011|title=2011 Canadian GP review: Button bounces back to win|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/06/12/canadian-grand-prix-report/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019040643/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/06/12/canadian-grand-prix-report/|archive-date=19 October 2016|access-date=25 January 2017|website=F1 Fanatic}}</ref> his Canadian race was seen at the time as his most convincing performance since he came out of retirement.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=20 June 2011|title=Michael Schumacher finally finds his form|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2011/06/in_all_the_excitement_followin.html|access-date=10 February 2024|publisher=BBC|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002815/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2011/06/in_all_the_excitement_followin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite starting last at the {{F1 GP|2011|Belgian}},<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=28 August 2011|title=Vettel victorious in dramatic Spa race|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/08/28/2011-belgian-grand-prix-report/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051358/https://www.racefans.net/2011/08/28/2011-belgian-grand-prix-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> twenty years after his debut,<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 August 2011|title=Belgian Grand Prix 2011: Michael Schumacher eyes podium place in Spa on 20th anniversary of Formula One career|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8721701/Belgian-Grand-Prix-2011-Michael-Schumacher-eyes-podium-place-in-Spa-on-20th-anniversary-of-Formula-One-career.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8721701/Belgian-Grand-Prix-2011-Michael-Schumacher-eyes-podium-place-in-Spa-on-20th-anniversary-of-Formula-One-career.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Beer|first1=Matt|last2=Straw|first2=Eddie|date=28 August 2011|title=The complete 2011 Belgian GP review|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-2011-belgian-gp-review-5091252/5091252/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051341/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-2011-belgian-gp-review-5091252/5091252/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher finished fifth.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=30 August 2011|title=2011 Belgian Grand Prix: complete race review|url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/08/30/2011-belgian-grand-prix-complete-race-weekend-review/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans}}</ref> The {{F1 GP|2011|Japanese}} saw Schumacher lead three laps during the race, marking the first time he had led a race since 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sheringham|first=Sam|date=9 October 2011|title=Japanese Grand Prix as it happened|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9610783.stm|access-date=10 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912162208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9610783.stm|archive-date=12 September 2019|quote=Lap 40: This is the first time Schuey [''sic''] has led a race since the Japanese GP in 2006.}}</ref> In doing so, he became the oldest driver to lead a race since [[Jack Brabham]] in 1970.<ref name=ABCgreatest>{{Cite news|date=30 December 2013|title=Michael Schumacher the greatest F1 driver of all time|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-30/michael-schumacher-the-greatest-formula-one-driver-of-all-time/5178660?pfmredir=sm|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202025700/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-30/michael-schumacher-the-greatest-formula-one-driver-of-all-time/5178660?pfmredir=sm|archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> Schumacher finished the season in eighth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 76 points.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 September 2010|title=A better car the key to Schumacher's 2011 season|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a-better-car-the-key-to-schumachers-2011-season/3218116/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206025800/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a-better-car-the-key-to-schumachers-2011-season/3218116/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2011 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2011-f1-world-championship/|access-date=9 February 2024|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=17 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417061858/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2011-f1-world-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2011 F1 Results & Standings Schedule|website=F1-Fansite.com|date=16 June 2012|url=http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-results/results-2011-formula-1-season/|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202041227/http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-results/results-2011-formula-1-season/|archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref>

Schumacher was again partnered by Nico Rosberg at Mercedes for the {{F1|2012}} season.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 January 2010|title=Schumacher could stay in F1 after 2012|work=ESPN F1|url=http://en.espnf1.com/mercedes/motorsport/story/7532.html|access-date=25 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218174303/http://en.espnf1.com/mercedes/motorsport/story/7532.html|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> After qualifying fourth in what was his best qualifying since his return,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lines|first=Chris|date=22 March 2012|title=Schumacher has hopes high for Malaysian Grand Prix|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-schumacher-has-hopes-high-for-malaysian-grand-prix-2012mar22-story.html|access-date=6 February 2024|website=The San Diego Union-Tribune|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051341/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-schumacher-has-hopes-high-for-malaysian-grand-prix-2012mar22-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> he retired from the season's inaugural {{F1 GP|2012|Australian}},<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2012 |title=Brawn upbeat despite Melbourne failure |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gcx7P9DYPxinDYuIuShwcYbp5pZg?docId=N1176961332075459939A |access-date=18 March 2012 |agency=[[Press Association]]}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and scored a point in the second round at the {{F1 GP|2012|Malaysian}} with intermittent rain,<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Beer|first1=Matt|last2=Elizalde|first2=Pablo|date=24 March 2012|title=The complete Malaysian Grand Prix review|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-malaysian-grand-prix-review-5098472/5098472/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051354/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-complete-malaysian-grand-prix-review-5098472/5098472/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=25 March 2012|title=Alonso holds off Perez for superb win in Malaysia|url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/03/25/2012-malaysian-grand-prix-report/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Michaels|first=Jakes|date=27 September 2017|title=Memory lane: 19 years of the Malaysian GP|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/20830608/memory-lane-19-years-racing-malaysian-grand-prix|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/20830608/memory-lane-19-years-racing-malaysian-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref> after qualifying third.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spurgeon|first=Brad|date=13 April 2012|title=Schumacher Shows He Can Still Be a Contender|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/14/sports/autoracing/14iht-srf1profile14.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/2012/04/14/sports/autoracing/14iht-srf1profile14.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2012|Chinese}}, Schumacher started on the front row but retired due to a loose wheel after a mechanic's error during a pit stop.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 April 2012|title=Michael Schumacher's retirement at Chinese Grand Prix – What exactly happens when a wheel nut is loose?|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/michael-schumachers-retirement-at-chinese-grand-prix-what-exactly-happens-when-a-wheel-nut-is-loose|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092454/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/michael-schumachers-retirement-at-chinese-grand-prix-what-exactly-happens-when-a-wheel-nut-is-loose|archive-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> After causing a collision with [[Bruno Senna]] at the {{F1 GP|2012|Spanish}},<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Beer|first1=Matt|last2=Creighton|first2=Geoff|date=13 May 2012|title=Schumacher, Senna blame each other for Spanish Grand Prix accident|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-senna-blame-each-other-for-spanish-grand-prix-accident-4454156/4454156/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051358/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-senna-blame-each-other-for-spanish-grand-prix-accident-4454156/4454156/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schumacher received a five-place grid penalty for the {{F1 GP|2012|Monaco}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=13 May 2012|title=Michael Schumacher penalised for Bruno Senna clash|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/18053192|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/18053192|url-status=live}}</ref> Twenty-one years into his career,<ref name="Gibson 2016" /> Schumacher was fastest in qualifying in Monaco but started sixth owing to his penalty.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cary|first=Tom|date=26 May 2012|title=Monaco Grand Prix 2012: grid penalty denies Michael Schumacher of pole as Mark Webber leads the line|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/9292074/Monaco-Grand-Prix-2012-grid-penalty-denies-Michael-Schumacher-of-pole-as-Mark-Webber-leads-the-line.html|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323055216/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/9292074/Monaco-Grand-Prix-2012-grid-penalty-denies-Michael-Schumacher-of-pole-as-Mark-Webber-leads-the-line.html|archive-date=23 March 2018|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He later retired from seventh place in the race.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sport|first=The Telegraph|date=27 May 2012|title=Monaco Grand Prix 2012: bittersweet weekend for Mercedes as Rosberg shines and Schumacher's bad luck continues|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/mercedes/9293463/Monaco-Grand-Prix-2012-bittersweet-weekend-for-Mercedes-as-Rosberg-shines-and-Schumachers-bad-luck-continues.html|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323070746/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/mercedes/9293463/Monaco-Grand-Prix-2012-bittersweet-weekend-for-Mercedes-as-Rosberg-shines-and-Schumachers-bad-luck-continues.html|archive-date=23 March 2018|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2012|European}}, Schumacher finished third, his only podium finish since his return to Formula One.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morland|first=Greg|date=30 November 2012|title=Top ten: Schumacher comeback moments|url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/11/30/top-ten-schumacher-comeback-moments/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans}}</ref> At 43 years and 173 days, he became the oldest driver to achieve a podium since 1970, when [[Jack Brabham]] achieved second-place finish at the {{F1 GP|1970|British}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=25 June 2012|title=Schumacher is oldest driver on podium since 1970|url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/06/25/2012-european-grand-prix-stats-facts/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051343/https://www.racefans.net/2012/06/25/2012-european-grand-prix-stats-facts/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2012|German}}, Schumacher set the fastest lap for the 77th time in his career.<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 July 2012|title=Conclusions from the German GP|publisher=Sky Sports|url=http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/22058/7928246/Conclusions-from-the-German-GP|access-date=24 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726015714/http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/22058/7928246/Conclusions-from-the-German-GP|archive-date=26 July 2012}}</ref> At the {{F1 GP|2012|Belgian}}, Schumacher became the second driver in history (after Rubens Barrichello) to race in 300 Grands Prix;<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 August 2012|title=300 up for seven-time champion Schumacher in Belgian Grand Prix|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/30/sport/motorsport/motorsport-schumacher-belgian-grand-prix-300/index.html|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=CNN|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206051339/https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/30/sport/motorsport/motorsport-schumacher-belgian-grand-prix-300/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hallam|first=Mark|date=30 August 2012|title=Schumi and Spa<!--– DW – 08/30/2012-->|url=https://www.dw.com/en/schumachers-spa-milestones-from-zero-to-300/a-16204593|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=Deutsche Welle|archive-date=11 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211203547/https://www.dw.com/en/schumachers-spa-milestones-from-zero-to-300/a-16204593|url-status=live}}</ref> he took seventh place after starting 13th.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=2 September 2012|title=Button storms to Spa win after first-lap shunt|url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/09/02/2012-belgian-grand-prix-report/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans}}</ref>

Schumacher's indecision over his future plans led to him being replaced by [[Lewis Hamilton]] at Mercedes for the {{F1|2013}} season.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=28 September 2012|title=Schumacher's indecision prompted Mercedes to chase Hamilton|work=[[Autosport]]|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102906/|access-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001004837/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102906|archive-date=1 October 2012}}</ref> In October 2012, days before the {{F1 GP|2012|Japanese}}, Schumacher announced he would retire for a second time,<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 October 2012|title=Schumacher announces Formula One retirement|publisher=[[Formula One]]|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/10/13863.html|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006134357/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/10/13863.html|archive-date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Andrew|first=Andrew|date=5 October 2012|title=Michael Schumacher crashes during Japanese Grand Prix practice|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/michael-schumacher-crashes-during-japanese-grand-prix-practice-8199151.html|access-date=6 February 2024|work=The Independent}}</ref> stating: "There were times in the past few months in which I didn't want to deal with Formula One or prepare for the next Grand Prix."<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 October 2012|title=Schumacher Ready To Go 'Home' After Retirement|work=[[Speed (TV channel)|Speed]]|publisher=Speed Channel, Inc.|agency=GMM|url=http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-michael-schumacher-ready-to-go-home-after-formula-one-retirement/|access-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015114312/http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-michael-schumacher-ready-to-go-home-after-formula-one-retirement|archive-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> In what would be his 308th and last entry and 306th race start, Schumacher concluded the season with a seventh-place finish at the {{F1 GP|2012|Brazilian}}, which was also the position he started his first Formula One race.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=26 November 2012|title=Schumacher finishes his F1 career as he started it|url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-stats-facts/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans}}</ref> During the race, he symbolically pulled over for fellow German [[Sebastian Vettel]] en route to his then third Drivers' Championship.<ref name="RaceFans 2006">{{Cite web|date=15 February 2006|title=Michael Schumacher|url=https://www.racefans.net/michael-schumacher/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=RaceFans|postscript=. Updated 2024.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Beer|first1=Matt|last2=Tremayne|first2=Sam|date=27 November 2012|title=Red Bull thanks 'gracious' Schumacher for giving Vettel sixth|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-thanks-gracious-schumacher-for-giving-vettel-sixth-4462384/4462384/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Autosport}}</ref> Schumacher finished 13th in the 2012 Drivers' Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2012-f1-world-championship/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Motor Sport}}</ref> During his comeback, he led three laps but never won a race and never finished higher than eighth in the overall Formula One standings.<ref name="Bitannica 2024" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Justin |date=15 April 2021 |title=In Formula One, Does The Driver Or Car Matter More? |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/in-formula-one-does-the-driver-or-car-matter-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408190452/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/in-formula-one-does-the-driver-or-car-matter-more/ |archive-date=8 April 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |website=FiveThirtyEight}}</ref> He closed his career with 91 wins, 155 podiums, and 68 pole positions, which at the time were all records.<ref name="Jeffries 2023" /> Before it was surpassed by Hamilton in 2020, Schumacher's 91 wins were one short of the combined win totals of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Glenn |date=3 January 2019 |title=Michael Schumacher's top 10 F1 victories |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/michael-schumachers-top-10-f1-victories-5111617/5111617/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |website=Autosport}}</ref>

Despite a difficult three years, which included adaptation to significant different regulations and new [[Pirelli]] tyres, as well as rust, and being bested by his teammate, he had improved in the last two years where he arguably outraced Rosberg but bad luck and mechanical failures did not reflect it at the standings.<ref name="Gibson 2016" /> It has been argued that it was his 2009 motorcycle accident why the comeback had not been successful. In the words of [[Mark Hughes (journalist)|Mark Hughes]], "I believe his motorcycle accident, and the damaged neurons from a neck injury that in 90 per cent of cases is fatal, was probably more responsible for his lack of form second time around than age or length of absence."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=16 July 2018 |title=F1 frontline: February 2018 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2018/36/f1-frontline-february-2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628023736/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2018/36/f1-frontline-february-2018/ |archive-date=28 June 2024 |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Motor Sport}}</ref>

From 2014 to {{F1|2021}}, Mercedes went on to win a record-breaking (of Schumacher's Ferrari from 1999 to 2004) eight Constructors' Championships under Hamilton, Rosberg, and [[Valtteri Bottas]]. Ross Brawn said that "Michael's contribution to our development and the future of our team has been significant", and observed: "In my opinion, he is the greatest Formula One driver, and the records which he holds in our sport speak volumes for his success and commitment."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goodwin|first=Ellis|date=28 December 2012|title=Top moments of 2012, #13: End of the Schumacher era, again|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/top-moments-of-2012-13-end-of-the-schumacher-era-again/2657313/|access-date=6 February 2024|website=Motorsport.com|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206034235/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/top-moments-of-2012-13-end-of-the-schumacher-era-again/2657313/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Brawn also stated that had Schumacher not retired in 2012 and not suffered a ski injury in 2013, he would have had a chance at winning his eighth World Championship in {{F1|2014}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Sam |date=2 January 2024 |title=Michael Schumacher: Alternative F1 career timeline predicted without accident |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/michael-schumacher-alternative-f1-career-timeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208171545/https://www.planetf1.com/news/michael-schumacher-alternative-f1-career-timeline |archive-date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=PlanetF1}}</ref> In 2023, Williams team principal [[James Vowles]], who was Mercedes chief strategist during Schumacher's time at the team between 2010 and 2012 and was instrumental in the team's success in the mid-to-late 2010s, said that Schumacher brought Mercedes together. Vowles added: "[Schumacher] also knew his performance was perhaps not quite at the same level, but he made up for it in terms of the amount of work and dedication he put in. From that, Nico learned a lot and conversely, Lewis learned a lot from Nico."<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 June 2023 |title=Michael Schumacher brought Mercedes together, says Williams F1 team principal James Vowles |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12901784/michael-schumacher-brought-mercedes-together-says-williams-f1-team-principal-james-vowles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515210916/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12901784/michael-schumacher-brought-mercedes-together-says-williams-f1-team-principal-james-vowles |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref>