Benetton Almost Did Not Sign Schumacher

F1 legend Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut back in 1991. However, there was a moment when it almost did not happen. Benetton nearly missed out on signing Michael Schumacher back in 1991 as “no one was convinced” of the German’s talent, no one but Flavio Briatore.

Schumacher was handed his Formula 1 debut by Jordan, qualifying seventh before retiring from the grand prix.

His efforts caught the attention of then Benetton team boss Briatore, who insisted on signing the youngster.

Others at the team weren’t so convinced, however.

“No one was convinced of Michael,” Briatore told German newspaper Bild in a podcast with 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg.

“‘He’s not good, he’s too young, he’s to this and that.’

“But I was so sure everyone said: ‘Yes, then sign him!’”

He added: “I sent him the contract and we signed at three or four in the morning.”

Schumacher went on to win two World titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before moving onto Ferrari the following season.

Reminiscing about the driver, Briatore said: “Michael never complained.

“If there was a problem with the car, he tried to solve it.

“Other drivers would have said the car is shit.”

Schumacher holds the record for most World titles, seven, and most grands prix wins, 91. However, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is quickly approaching that record. The Briton has already beaten Schumacher’s pole record with the latter on 68 and the former still going strong.

In a recent interview with 2016 champion Nico Rosberg, Briatore spoke on various subjects. According to him, current Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel was far too focused on wins that the championship.

In other words, Vettel failed to see the bigger picture, in his quest for glory. Now, Hamilton is extremely close to wrapping up the title.