Became European kart champion in 1987 and progressed to Formula One by 1990. Won his first Grand Prix with Benetton in Belgium in 1992 and won two world titles with the same team in 1994 and 1995 before moving to Ferrari.
Schumacer won Ferrari's first Formula One driver's title for 21 years in 2000, clinching his third world crown at the Japanese Grand Prix. Racked up nine race wins during the season and won the drivers' championship with 108 points, 18 more than second-placed Mika Hakkinen.
He was even more dominant in his sport during 2001, confirming his greatness on the track by securing his fourth Formula One world title in eight years in record-breaking style. Posted a remarkable nine individual wins after triumphing in the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix, as well as piling up a record 123 points and the greatest number of fastest laps. His Suzuka victory, the 53rd of his career, moved him two clear of the previous record held by Frenchman Alain Prost. Won the first two races of the season, in Australia and Malaysia, and clinched further victories in Spain, Monaco, San Marino and France before sealing the world title in Hungary on August 19.
