Michael Schumacher: The true fighter

Michael Schumacher

The history of Formula One is full of defining moments, captured in all its essence through terrific pictures. Superbly styled, colourful, aerodynamic cars moving at great speeds give a very distinct identity to the type of imagery available to characterize the sport. However, the one image that defined total domination was one of Schumacher (Michael, obviously) atop the podium. The combination of Italian style and German precision gave the world a terrific period of joy and elation.

To his credit, Schumacher wasn’t only a great racer but a complete package - good looks, steely nerves, fantastic tactical awareness, ruthless aggression and a calm exterior. That he always looked fresh out of a bath at the end of every race was testimony to his fitness levels throughout his career. He was already in the big league with successes at Benetton, but in moving to Ferrari and then helping them back to the top after years in the background, he cemented his legendary status.

For a team like Ferrari to stake so much on one driver itself was an achievement, but from then on, the world was on a platter, for both driver and constructor. Much is made out of his coming out of retirement and lack of success after that, but in truth the sport had moved on since his departure the first time, and it just wasn’t the same after that.

He was as much a team man as he was an individual, he loved the limelight, but never missed a chance to praise his team. Here was a guy that knew his sport in and out and never missed a chance to show it.

He also was fiercely competitive, to a point of being a bad sport at times. Time and again, he even resorted to behavior that was considered unbecoming of a champion, but most fans overlooked these blemishes, almost defending his will to win. It is that steely determination, that almost inhuman ability to convert plan into reality that defines him.

Now Schumacher has one more fight ahead of him, against all odds, and in this fight both bookies and fans alike will hope that once more he defies all odds and comes out standing atop the podium again. A love for speed and thrill has taken away from us enough great men, but we will continue to hope and pray that fate doesn’t take away one from the extraordinary league of sportsmen. Get well soon Schumi, we will always remember you as the true champion you are!