Sunday August 25, 1991, Michael Schumacher drove his first ever Formula 1 race in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. He had to replace the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot. The German driver, still a contracted Mercedes pilot, was signed as a replacement for the imprisoned Bertrand Gachot behind the wheel of the green, 7Up-livered Jordan 191. Michael’s manager, Willi Weber, while talking to Eddie Jordan in order to approve the candidacy, assured the driver already knew the treacherous Belgian track, even if, as revealed by the manager himself decades later, Michael had never lapped here before. Despite so, he qualified 7th on the Sunday grid. Everything else is Motorsport’s history.
Thirty year later after his debut, Netflix released the official trailer for Schumacher, the ultimate portrait of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. Characterized by an undying passion, hard work and unparalleled ambition, Michael quickly rose from newcomer to global champion – and ultimately motorsport legend. This is the only film fully supported by his family to date and we cannot wait to see it online from September 15.
As reported by Netflix, it will feature rare interviews and previously undisclosed archival footage, drawing a very sensitive yet critical portrait of the German ace. The documentary, produced by Benjamin Seikel and Vanessa Nöcker for B|14 Film GmbH and directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker and Michael Wech, explores the many facets that made and define such a complex athlete and accompanies him on his meteoric rise in this challenging and dangerous sport we all love. His strong will and triumphant fight to win against all odds put Michael Schumacher at the centre of global attention.
Michael Schumacher’s journey captured the imagination of millions, but there is a lot more than motor racing to the success of this very private man. However, it is not only his fighting spirit and striving for perfection that define Michael Schumacher as a person; his self-doubt and insecurities complete the picture of a sensitive and reflected man. At the heart of Michael’s story are his parents, his children and Corinna Schumacher, his biggest support and the love of his life.
