Before we dive in to this detailed report, I would like to thank all the people who have commented and rated my previous articles (focusing on Great Britain and Brazil) in this series.
I was going to extend the series to five parts, yet after careful thought I have decided not to. I don't want to end up like a Rubens Barrichello; holding on when it is best to let go!
In this installment, we will take a look at German constructors and engine suppliers as well as drivers, history and circuits.
History
Germany have been involved in Formula One since the early days. With this in mind, it is a surprising fact that Germany have only ever produced one Formula One world champion, although there have been many successful German constructors.
There has been a German Grand Prix held since 1926 and a Formula One event has been held since 1951. The German Grand Prix has produced many memorable races, and the 2008 event certainly on the list.
The German people enjoy Formula One (much more now after Michael Schumacher's dominance) and there is a lot of pressure on all German drivers to deliver good results and make the country proud.
Drivers
I will only mention one driver in this installment. Although there have been many German F1 drivers, none have been as successful as Michael Schumacher.
There is only one person to begin with when it comes to German F1 drivers: Michael Schumacher.
The seven-time world champion is the first and only German world champion.
Did you know that Michael Schumacher was voted the most popular F1 driver in a survey by the FIA in 2006?
Schumacher was recognised as a talented driver in his first full season in Formula One. Driving with the Benetton team, Schumacher scored eight podiums and one win in his first season. He finished third in the championship.
His first championship came in 1994 when he dominated the season, despite being disqualified from two races and excluded from two others.
Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996 and won his first (of five) championships with them in 2000.
Schumacher wasn't off the podium in 2002 and won the title with an amazing six rounds to spare!
Did you know that Michael Schumacher finished 67 points ahead of the runner up in the 2002 F1 championship?
Schumacher won his final championship in 2004 and dominated the season. Had he won in Monte Carlo, Schumacher would have won 13 consecutive Grand Prix.
In 2005, Schumacher conceded his world title to Fernando Alonso, after the 2005 Ferrari couldn't keep up with the McLaren and Renault of Raikkonen and Alonso.
In 2006, Michael retired from the sport as the [statistically] best driver ever.
Did you know that Michael Schumacher currently holds a massive 31 records in Formula One? These include most wins, most championships, and most pole positions.
Constructors/Engine Suppliers
14 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Michael Griffin 11 months ago
Nice one again mate, top series here. BMW will be winning many races next year I believe. POTD from me palios, well done on this.
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
cheers mate, much appreciated :)
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
Now then Billy ... Great article ... Excellent stuff ... I must say that this season in particular I have a soft spot for both Rosberg and Vettel, like to see them do well ... Both great young drivers with excellent careers ahead of them ! Great writing ! 5 stars and POTD !
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
when i went to silverstone i developed a soft spot for rosberg, piquet, vettel and kovy (i suppose i had one for kovy already seeing as he drives the MM)
i find it such a shame at the moment to see rosberg performing so badly... it seems like williams developed pre season and then left the carin melbourne.
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
Yeah I know ... Would love to see him at a bigger team ... He is a great driver !
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
i thought he was goin to join MM at the end of 2007, kovy was a good choice though
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
He was actually aproached but he turned it down, he was first choice !
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
that puzzles me a bit... bet he regrets it now
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
Ha ha yeah but I am sure he had his reasons ?
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
yeah he probably did... i think i read somewhere that it was williams that said no and not nico, can't remember though
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Ben Auty 11 months ago
Interesting, maybe he will get his chance some other time ? Who knows ?
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Saraswathi Siriginia 11 months ago
Nice article, your series is quite the rage, Billy!
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Sheiban Shakeri 11 months ago
Great stuff Billy. I just wanted to point out an interesting fact that you missed about Mercedes-Benz: after re-entering F1 as an engine provider, they have never had a German racing driver. Nick Heidfeld was briefly a test driver with McLaren back when MB provided engines.
Good article, and I'm singing my accolades!
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Billy Sexton 11 months ago
wasn't aware of that fact... thanks for pointing that out mate!
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