Michael Schumacher’s Role in Lewis Hamilton’s Success at Mercedes Not Just ‘PR Talk’: Ex-F1 Teammate

Michael Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, found no shortage of success in his iconic Formula 1 career. The German took every one of seven of his championships with Ferrari. Schumacher has several records to his name and was known for his ability to produce fast laps and to push his car to the very limits.

The German first retired from the sport in 2006 while driving for Ferrari, making his comeback with Mercedes in 2010 and eventually retiring in 2012; Lewis Hamilton then replaced him at the Silver Arrows in 2013. And then began the Silverstone-based team’s run of seven consecutive constructors’ and drivers’ championships.

While the switch to turbo-hybrid engines surely facilitated their dominance, former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld believes Michael Schumacher laid the foundation for what Mercedes are today.

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What did Nick Heidfeld say?

Although Schumacher could only secure one podium during his stint at Silver Arrows, but, as reported by Auto Bild, Nick Heidfeld believes Schumacher played an enormous part in Mercedes’ success.

“The fact that Michael has played a part in today’s success can be dismissed as a PR talk, but I’m also convinced that he was instrumental in pushing the team in the right direction.” said the former Mercedes test driver.

“How sustainable this has been over the years is difficult to assess, but it definitely had an impact.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Nick experienced intensity while speaking to Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton

Both Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have joint-record seven world championships. Last season, the Brit broke Schumacher’s all-time Formula 1 win record, and this season he will look to clinch the eighth title. Therefore, they are considered to be the GOATs of Formula 1.

And the Mahindra advisor in Formula E claims he experienced an unparalleled “intensity” when speaking to Schumacher and Hamilton.

“In direct conversation, I experienced a certain intensity with the two of them like nobody else in general and in racing,” said Heidfeld.

“I spoke to Lewis when the question came up in 2010 that I could be his teammate at McLaren. Those were incredibly intense conversations that I only experienced with these two drivers.”

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