Michael Schumacher to Retire: Saying Goodbye to the Great Champion

On September 10, when Michael Schumacher announced his retirement from F1 racing, he was standing on the winner’s podium at the Italian Grand Prix. After winning the Italian Grand Prix, he said "I have decided that I am going to retire from racing. It has been an exceptional time" (BBC News, 2006)

Retiring at the highest point of his career, Schumacher leaves behind a legacy and near perfect record which is sure to inspire young racers around the world. He started his career racing go-karts as a four year old. His father enrolled him at a local kart club and he obtained Luxemburg’s license at the age of 12 and German license in 1983 at the age of Schumacher won his first German Junior Kart Championship in 1984 and after that there was no stopping. From karting he moved to sports car racing during 1990 and 1991.He debuted during the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991 although he retired before finishing the race the experience was invaluable.

Schumacher won his first Driver's Championship in 1994, after the untimely death of legendry racer Ayrton Senna. He moved to the Renault camp for the 1995 season. That season he had 9 GP wins and won his second championship. Move to Ferrari came in 1996, a long running partnership which went on until he decided his retirement. With a reported salary of $30 million, Schumacher starter the 1996 season with Ferrari with a bang. He won three Grand Prix that year including the Spanish Prix.

Since 2000, Michael Schumacher has retained the top position at the F1 World Championship. During his career, he managed to break numerous F1 records, including the number of years he held the top positions. He is also one of the highest paid athletes, with estimated earnings of US$ 80 millions annually (Tiger woods tops the list, with Schumacher is second position, Kobe Bryant is in tenth position) (Forbes.com)

Winner of the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the year award in 2002 and 2004, he has been nominated for the award for three times. Other winners include Lance Armstrong and Roger Federer.