New book: On Michael Schumacher and the German era in Formula 1

The author of the new Schumacher book, Alfred Weinzierl, has employed a brilliant trick in choosing the title. On the one hand, he does not wish to write yet another Michael Schumacher biography. On the other hand, he has set himself the task of shedding light on the subject of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion from a new perspective and embedding it within the broader context of Formula 1. This sheds light on the meaning of the title ‘On Michael Schumacher and the German Era in Formula 1’.

To say as much straight away: Weinzierl, who in his previous career rose through the ranks from sports reporter to *Der Spiegel* journalist and eventually to deputy editor-in-chief of *Der Spiegel*, has got it all spot on. He has asked seven German Formula 1 drivers intelligent questions and allowed them to speak at length in their answers. It makes for an engaging read and covers the respective topics in satisfying depth.

Using this approach, the book sheds light on the period that Weinzierl himself – quite rightly – defines as the ‘German era’, during which German drivers, teams and managers each played a significant role in the pinnacle of international motorsport. This is epitomised by the twelve world championship titles won by Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg.

In doing so, the texts bring to light information that has never before been published elsewhere. Here is an example. Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock recounts how, whilst playing chess on Schumacher’s private jet, he made a crucial wrong move and asked his opponent if he could take it back. His opponent allows it. During another game, the other player makes a similar mistake; Glock refuses to let him correct it. Schumacher witnesses both scenes and makes it clear to Glock that he disapproves of his behaviour.

What is interesting about this account is that it is not about the actually trivial event itself, but rather about highlighting a facet of Schumacher’s character – the man from Kerpen who once had to fight against the nickname ‘Cheating Schumi’ due to an allegedly unfair move.

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The interviews yield many such episodes, each revealing an element of Schumacher’s nature and character. As each interviewee also brings their own perspective to the narratives, this results in a very multifaceted overall picture of the scene.

The book’s great value lies in the convergence of profound knowledge and an understanding of the world of Formula 1 with the accounts of the interviewees, who are given ample opportunity to speak and whose accounts are authentic and, at times, critical.

A few quotes, chosen at random.

Sebastian Vettel: ‘Michael was my hero, my everything.’

Nico Rosberg: “I also believe that he (M. Schumacher) didn’t mention my name once in three years during our meetings with the engineers. He didn’t ask what I’d learnt in a corner or which set-up we’d tried. Nothing. To him, we on the other side of the garage simply didn’t exist.”

Heinz-Harald Frentzen: “On the other hand, Michael was also a phenomenon. At Jordan and Benetton, he proved straight away that a new generation of drivers could be fast without constantly causing accidents.”

Ralf Schumacher: “My father said to me: ‘Come on, stop this nonsense. It was lucky enough that Michael made it into Formula 1. There won’t be a second Schumacher making it into Formula 1.’ ”

For those interested in Formula 1 who wish to delve deeper into its background, *Über Michael Schumacher …* is an ideal addition to their existing knowledge. It is also an exciting, gripping and highly readable book.

Alfred Weinzierl: On Michael Schumacher and the German Era in Formula 1. 320 pages. Edel Sports. Available for 29.90 euros from specialist retailers.