A close friend of Michael Schumacher has called for the stricken Formula 1 legend to be stripped of one of his world championships. Veteran journalist Roger Benoit, who reconciled with Schumacher in 2011 after years of feuding, believes that the ace should lose his 1994 F1 title. Despite their differing opinions on this matter, Benoit still hails Schumacher as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
Legendary Status
Schumacher is regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. He is one of only two seven-time world champions, along with Lewis Hamilton, and they are the joint most successful drivers in the history of the sport. Schumacher won his titles in 1994, 1995, and enjoyed an incredible five-year winning streak between 2000 and 2004.
Controversial Title
Benoit argues that Schumacher's first F1 title in 1994 is tainted due to his infamous crash with British rival Damon Hill. The two drivers collided during the title decider, with Schumacher allegedly deliberately causing the crash. Benoit insists that the title should be taken away from Schumacher as a result. Despite this controversy, Benoit still acknowledges Schumacher's impressive talent and his phenomenal record in the sport.
Ongoing Controversy
The debate over retrospective championships is not limited to Schumacher. Felipe Massa, a protege of Schumacher, is launching legal action to claim the 2008 title from Lewis Hamilton. Massa believes that the "Crashgate" scandal at the Singapore GP that year unfairly cost him the championship. Additionally, there is ongoing controversy over the ending of the 2021 season, where Max Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to win the title. F1 bosses have admitted "human error" in the application of rules during a safety car period, potentially affecting Hamilton's chances of securing his eighth world title.
Health Update
When asked for a specific update on Schumacher's health, Benoit refused to provide any details. The racing legend has not been seen or heard since his catastrophic ski crash in 2013, and his family maintains strict privacy around his condition. Schumacher's son Mick, who is now a reserve driver for Mercedes, provided a rare insight into his father's condition, saying that he would give anything to talk to him. Schumacher spent 250 days in a medically-induced coma after the accident and has remained virtually invisible to the public ever since.
Despite the controversy surrounding his first F1 title, there is no denying the impact that Michael Schumacher had on the sport. His record-breaking achievements and sheer talent make him one of the all-time greats in Formula 1 history.
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