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via Getty

via Getty

A new documentary is poised to unveil the untold chapters of the life of the legendary Michael Schumacher and his pursuit of greatness. Schumacher, a name synonymous with success in Formula 1 history, will be the focal point of the highly anticipated documentary series Being Michael Schumacher. Scheduled exclusively for airing in Germany on December 14, this five-part exploration promises to unravel the layers of the 7-time World Champion’s private life and monumental career, delving into the enigmatic persona of the iconic racer.

Michael Schumacher stands as an icon, his impact reaching far beyond the racetrack, capturing the hearts of sporting legends. Yet, the man behind the helmet has always remained a private enigma. Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm, attests to his fiercely guarded family life, a side of him rarely glimpsed. Being Michael Schumacher promises to lift the veil on this guarded aspect, featuring selected archival footage where the German himself shares insights into his personality, providing fans with a rare glimpse into his life beyond the checkered flag.

Lewis Hamilton pays homage to the legend in the Michael Schumacher documentary

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The narrative takes a poignant turn on December 29, 2013, when the German suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident. Since then, the legendary racer has been on a journey of rehabilitation away from the public eye. A decade after this fateful incident, Andreas Troll captures the essence of Schumacher’s life through a documentary filmed at various international locations. Key figures contributing to this project include Ralf Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug, and Jean Todt.

The documentary, slated for exclusive airing in Germany, promises intimate insights into Schumacher’s monumental career and personal life. It highlights key relationships, such as his close bond with his former boss at Ferrari, Jean Todt. Almost a decade post the life-altering skiing accident, the series provides a rare glimpse into the privacy maintained by Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, during his recovery.

Being Michael Schumacher is a five-part German-language series highlighting the unique relationships Schumacher maintained within the F1 paddock, including his legendary success at Ferrari with Todt. The series will air on December 14 on ARD, offering a touching exploration of the life and legacy of one of F1’s greatest drivers. All five episodes will be available on the ARD media library from December 14, with a complete airing on Das Erste on December 28 from 23:25.

In an emotional tribute to the Formula 1 legend, Lewis Hamilton, the only driver to match Schumacher’s seven championship titles, reflects on the upcoming documentary. The British driver, who often crossed paths with Michael Schumacher during his three-year rivalry, remembers him as a full-out great racer. Despite never sharing a podium, the Mercedes star acknowledges Schumacher as a formidable competitor and a benchmark in the sport. He fondly recalls Schumacher’s dominance during pivotal moments in F1 history, stating, as quoted by The Independent, He won the race when Ayrton died. [He was just] winning everything!”

Read More: GOAT Debate Between Lewis Hamilton & Michael Schumacher Settled After Mercedes’ Mastermind’s Shocking Statement Raised Eyebrows

However, Hamilton is not the sole voice paying homage to the maestro. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who dethroned Michael Schumacher in 2005, also shares his thoughts on the German legend’s profound impact on Formula 1.

What does Fernando Alonso have to say about his great rival?

Despite their historic rivalry, Fernando Alonso recently expressed admiration for Schumacher’s influence on the sport. The Spanish driver credited the German legend for revolutionizing Formula 1 through his unparalleled fitness and work ethic. Alonso highlighted the transformation in approaching races, physical preparation, determination, and overall work ethic brought about by Schumacher.

“The way of approaching the races, the physical preparation, the determination, and the work ethic every weekend with the engineers changed. Many things in Formula 1 changed for the better thanks to Michael,” The Independent quoted Alonso.

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The then Renault driver acknowledged that he lost more against Schumacher than he won despite their heated exchanges on the track. “I lost more against him than I won! He is an incredible driver. He was an inspiration for all the drivers of my generation when we were in karting and in the junior formulas to see Michael dominating the sport,” Fernando added.

The legacy of Michael Schumacher’s commitment to physical fitness has transcended his era. His four to six hours a day gym routine allowed him to extend his F1 career and make a successful comeback at the age of 41 in 2010. Fernando Alonso has embraced this legacy at 42, remains in peak physical condition, and is determined to vie for another championship with Aston Martin.

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The documentary promises to be a poignant reflection on Michael’s life and impact on F1. Get ready for the exclusive unveiling of the man behind the helmet, the legend that is Michael Schumacher.