Schumacher Retires from Formula 1 racing

After 16 glorious years and over 250 starts, the racing legend finally hung up his helmet and gloves at the end of the 2006 season

On the top of the world - Michael Schumacher

It couldn't have been more fitting end to a glorious career. Although some purists may have wanted Michael Schumacher to win the title in his last season. Even I wanted that. But this race exemplified what Michael Schumacher is all about. Fighting spirit and never say die attitude. Even when all seemed lost, he never gave up and fought till the last to win what would have been the 8th title for him. Instead he had to settle for second place and he leaves the circuit as a true champion handing over his mantle and legacy to Kimi Raikkonen who will replace him next year in Ferrari.

I have been a Michael Schumacher fan right from the beginning when he first won the championship in 1992 despite some of my very good friends hating him for his competetive spirit. He has since won more races & championships than anyone else in history. Though his more important contribution to the sport probably would be the resurgence of Ferrari team as the world champions. When Michael Schumacher was racing with Renault, Ferrari was a very average team with problems in reliability and in winning races and slow speeds.

Michael transformed the team with his presence and racing acumen and the design changes he suggested in Ferrari. Some people say that it stole away the grace and beauty of Ferrari and Ferrari was known for its looks rather than speed. But not only did the car look good, but it got faster considerably. And according to me, only good looks are of no use, if you cannot win.

Let's hope Kimi Raikkonen can carry in same vein as Michael and create his own legacy in the team that will be remembered as the team Michael Schumacher transformed.