Schumi is not a 'flawed' genius

Lately, there have been a rising number of articles on Michael Schumacher and his unethical driving, and how that makes him a lesser of a champion, than he already is; it kind of makes you question sanity. After the recent Spanish Grand Prix where Schumacher slammed his car into the back of Williams’ Bruno Senna, there was a lot of controversy. In his post-race comments said, Senna said, “has Michael ever admitted he is at fault?” This led to a huge outcry about how Schumacher throughout his career has been unscrupulous and has never apologized for it.

Seven-time Champion and Legend: Michael Schumacher

Be that as it may, this does’t make him any less a genius. Maybe this ‘flaw’ is the very thing that makes him a genius. The desire to win by hook or by crook is what has kept him going and makes you respect the man. Maybe if he didn’t do it, he wouldn’t have been what he is today. Winning seven world championships and five in a row at his peak, is no mean feat; to be at the pinnacle of one’s potential for such a long time, comes from this very ruthless desire to excel.

Having done so much and achieving what many can only dream of, Schumacher retired in October 2006 only to come back out of retirement and continue racing because he hadn’t had enough! Given a mediocre car, Schumi kept at it for more than 3 years with McLaren without a win. Even though he wasn’t fighting for podium positions, his drive was just the same. The 43-year-old keeps going and his insatiable hunger to compete and succeed is just phenomenal.

No one has or would be able to achieve greatness by staying in the confines. This doesn’t mean one should be ignorant of rules and blatantly disobey them, but if you’re tweaking and playing it to your advantage, you’re just following Darwin’s Law. The fittest survive and thrive – and Schumacher did just that. If anything, this excess desire to win makes him greater. He is a genius and a true legend.