Twenty years ago this week Michael Schumacher officially became an F1 driver when he took to the track at Spa on Friday August 23. It was his first public outing for Jordan GP, following a test the previous week at Silverstone.
Michael is sure to be a focus of attention this coming weekend, and he has already acknowledged that – even for a man who professes no interest in statistics – that it will be a special anniversary.
Funnily enough at Spa in 2001 when I quizzed him on the significance of the 10th anniversary he looked at me blankly and said that as it was his 11th F1 season, he didn’t agree with my maths! This time, apparently it does mean something.
“The race in Spa will certainly have a special touch to it this time, as this is where I drove my first ever Formula One race 20 years ago,” said the German in a team preview. “It’s hard to believe that this was such a long time ago.
“A lot has changed in those 20 years, but one thing has not – the track is still sensational. I just love the great nature of the location and the resulting layout with all the ups and downs. To me, Spa remains my ‘living room’, because it has been the stage for so many things which have been remarkable for my sporting career.
“This is why this time I would like to specifically send a big thank you to all my fans for their loyalty and support, which I was happy to receive during those 20 years and also since my comeback.
“Talking about the sporting side prior to Spa, we are all returning from the summer break with fresh motivation and energy, and will try to set an exclamation mark at the Belgian Grand Prix.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Has any other driver had a career span 20 seasons?
Remarkable.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Guest of Honour: Bertrand Gachot.
Bottle of Pepper Spray to be presented (delivered by a taxi-cab driver).
Gachot and Schumacher are mates – check out my interview in F1 Racing!
great career, great driver, great fans… proud to be one of them.
happy birthday Michael!
One of the thngs I like about Michael is his relative disinterest in persuing records. However in two decades he has given us a lot to remember, some brilliant drives and a lot of happy moments for the Tifosi.
Is it 20 years…. doesn’t time fly when you are having fun! The first time I met Michael was in the greasy spoon at Silverstone, the Benneton mechanics where teaching him english [or not] bless his heart, he was so young and what a long way he has come. Happy 20th, Michael and thanks for all the great races.
Adam, I hope you are going to the party on Saturday night,, I want a full account!
Loti
It is not Schumacher who has to thank the fans. It is us who has to thank him for 17 years of joy. And for his come back. He is enjoying it so be it that he is not winning. I still enjoy his driving and that he is at his best in difficult conditions just show he is the best. I had hoped Canada would give him a podium. But never mind he drives for him self and the team