Michael Schumacher ‘Was Pivotal’ en Route to F1 Domination: Mercedes

Mercedes is currently writing history as they stride forward and build on the most dominating performance by an F1 constructor. ‘The Silver Arrows Story’ on YouTube, a series that looks back into the history of Mercedes’ domination, explains the importance of Michael Schumacher in the team.

In their recent episode, they turn their focus to the 2012 season. Young Nico Rosberg and experienced Michael Schumacher helped the team finish P5 in the championship standing, which was the Schumi’s last F1 season.

While Rosberg played an important role that season, the German champion, in many ways, helped them become the team they are today.

Thus, Justin from the Mercedes team explained just how important he was to the team. He said, “Michael was pivotal in putting down the foundation for the team to build their future success in the seasons to come.”

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Michael Schumacher mentored young Rosberg

The seven-time world champion came back to Mercedes after a sabbatical. The Brackley team was already brewing with the young talent of Nico Rosberg, and Schumacher played a significant role in the former’s championship-winning career.

“[He] was also an incredible mentor for the young Nico Rosberg,” stated Justin. Nico Rosberg later claimed his first and only championship win in 2016 before announcing his retirement from Formula 1.

In 2012, Mercedes finished the season in the P5 position with 142 points under their name. However, the team could only manage one win and one pole position all season, even though they had hoped for a much better finish.

In search of the same, 2013 saw a few changes that revolutionized the team and kick-started Mercedes’ domination. The team welcomed three key individuals, Niki Lauda, Toto Wolff, and Lewis Hamilton.

The trio transformed Mercedes into a force to reckon with. In 2014, the team made a smooth transition into the hybrid era and have since claimed every drivers’ and constructors’ championship in Formula 1.

Maybe, in the next episode, we will get a closer look at how these individuals helped grow the Brackley team.