For most of us, all we know and hear about the greatness of Michael Schumacher is his heroics on the track. We hardly come across incidents off the track and how he was as a person once the helmet came off. Many know he was a hard-working individual with the utmost dedication toward the sport. However, we are talking on a deeper level, on a more interpersonal level. It was unknown until now, but thanks to the accounts from Michael Schumacher: The Edge of Greateness, we are seeing the German in a different light. One such account from the book gives us an insight into his incredible generosity.
Ever since Schumacher set foot in the world of motorsport, he demanded respect because of his sheer talent. However, that did not make him pompous or ungrateful. Quite the opposite, actually. According to the accounts from his book, the seven-time champ used to go above and beyond to make the people around him special.
A paragraph from the book read, “He loves to give presents, loves to make people happy. He cares about people’s birthdays and Christmas, everyone gets a present. It’s a big job. He would think hard about presents for people, he asked me about it a lot, he would be having a massage in his room after driving and I would be sitting there with a notepad writing down a huge list.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“He sends flowers to the women in the factory for their birthdays even though he doesn’t know them. He wants them to know that they are appreciated. In the end, he wants the people around him to be happy because then he can be happy too.”
Read More: Leclerc’s Manager Todt Reveals Michael Schumacher’s Incredibly Generous Side
Even though not everyone might have felt the same. However, Schumacher left a positive impact on most lives he touched, including but not limited to ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto.
Mattia Binotto revealed the positive, and long-lasting impact Michael Schumacher had on his life
Binotto was still an engineer at Ferrari when the German legend was donning the red overalls. The Italian engineer at the time had the pleasure and privilege of working closely with the German legend. During one such prolonged interaction with Schumacher, he gave Binotto an outlook on life that he still carries toward his professional career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Binotto, in a meeting at the Panathlon Club in Parma, said, “He was an extraordinary driver for what he won and proved to be, but also for his generosity, charisma and leadership. And I believe that we brought that mentality to our subsequent experiences as well.”
“I still carry it with me today in my professional career,” concluded the Italian.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Why Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello Wore Red Wigs in 2000
All accounts point to the same conclusion. The German was an incredibly passionate human who enriched the lives of everyone around him. Let’s all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he makes a public appearance once again in his lifetime.