Michael Schumacher, born on the 3rd of January 1969, is a former Formula One driver, and seven-time world champion. He is the first German to win the Formula One World championship.

Michael started F1 with Jordan at Spa Francorchamps in 1991 as a replacement for Bertrand Gachot. After winning two championships with Benetton, Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996 and won five consecutive drivers' titles with them. Schumacher holds many records in Formula One, including most drivers' championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season. His driving sometimes created controversy: he was twice involved in collisions that determined the outcome of the world championship, most notably his disqualification from the 1997 championship for causing a collision with Jacques Villeneuve. On September 10, 2006, Schumacher announced his retirement as a driver. 'Schumi' is currently assisting Scuderia Ferrari for the 2009 Formula One Season.

Picture Credit Phil Volkaerts and Manfred Giet Publiracing