Michael Schumacher is a Formula One legend and probably one of the reasons why the sport is so popular. Many fans put him on a pedestal, but he is not without flaws. He has a winning attitude and his popularity made him not just well-loved but also a controversial figure.

Perhaps the German knows how to sell the sport and entertain the viewers, but aside from his winning moments, there were some instances when he proved he’s a cutthroat driver. He will do anything to win and others think he never shied away from dirty tricks.

Schumacher knew what he was doing on the track, and that’s part of his reputation. He may be a quintessential driver or controversial icon, but whatever the criticism, the ‘Weltmeister’ is a history maker, and it’s not just all about the skid marks. Here’s some information about him that F1 is not eager to broadcast.

11 Schumi’s Cheating?

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via: michael-schumacher.de

The 1994 world championship is controversial due to allegations of cheating by Benetton, the then team of Schumacher. The issue revolves around the alleged illegal use of traction control, which was investigated but not proven by the International Automobile Federation.

The late Ayrton Senna believed the team was using the illegal system, and in 2011, a teammate, Jos Verstappen, claimed that Schumi cheated. However, others believe the supposed cheating was indeed a left-foot braking strategy. Schumacher jump-started his championship with controversies that did not easily die down.

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10 The Attack On Damon Hill

Michael Schumacher
via: michael-schumacher.de

Damon Hill is among the first racers to feel the intensity of Schumacher's game. During the 1994 British Grand Prix, Schumacher passed Hill on the parade lap, which was not allowed. Due to this, he was served a penalty but did not oblige, thus a black flag for the German.

The clash between the two never stopped. During the finale in Australia, the notorious incident happened: Schumacher collided with Hill, damaging the British driver's car, and the latter eventually retired. This resulted in the German’s first title by one point. However, the debate continues whether Schumacher intentionally rammed his rival’s car.

9 Next Victim: Jacques Villeneuve

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via: formula1.com

In another controversial race, Schumacher deliberately rammed the vehicle of Jacques Villeneuve during the final round of the 1997 European Grand Prix. This time, the German was disqualified.

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via: formula1.com

Villeneuve, later on, shared he has no relationship with Schumacher, and there was no attempt to set things straight between them. Ferrari, the German’s then team, was unpunished. This remains one of the most controversial collisions in F1 history.

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8 Villeneuve’s Jabs

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via: sportsbase.io

The Canadian racer has a lot to say about his rival especially since he’s one of the German’s victims. Years later, Villeneuve insisted it was Schumacher who was at fault in the Jerez clash, citing his opponent’s misconduct.

Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve
via: sportsbase.io

Villeneuve is not a fan of what his rival did especially since he believes other racers nowadays are trying to do a Schumacher, too. For his supposed dirty tricks, Schumacher made his legacy not without a blemish.

7 Confronting Coulthard

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During the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, David Coulthard earned the ire of The Red Baron when the German hit the rival McLaren, causing the previous to lose a tire. The three-wheeled Schumacher was furious and after retiring his vehicle, stormed into the McLaren pit.

The German was convinced his opponent was at fault. Later on, Schumacher was asked to explain why he had driven into Coulthard's spray even as the British already let him through. Luckily, the two ended the issue with a handshake and called for better rules.

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6 Monaco Mistake?

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via: formula1.com

Even before the actual race in the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix, Schumacher proved to be controversial once more. During the final qualifiers, as Fernando Alonso is set to take home pole position, Schuey stalled the Spaniard by parking his Ferrari in one of the corners, bringing out the yellow flags.

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via: formula1.com

The German argued it was a mistake, but the FIA thinks otherwise. This caused him to lose his pole position, and together with his teammate, Ferrari started the race on the back row. Monaco was his last race before his first retirement and made sure to make it memorable.

5 Unsportsmanlike Behavior?

Schumacher also courted controversies in Canada 1998 when he caused the off-tracking of compatriot Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and in Austria 2002 when his teammate Rubens Barrichello was advised by Ferrari to let the German win.

Alonso, one of Schu’s victims, made sure to deliver a blow when he said the German was the “most unsporting driver” even as the racing great is retiring. Schumacher is undeniably a racing icon but not without complaints.

4 Unsuccessful Comeback

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In a shock comeback in 2010, Schu suited up for Mercedes-Benz. His performances in each season were underwhelming, placing 13th during his final race before his second retirement.

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via: michael-schumacher.de

During his second career, he was most successful in the 2012 European Grand Prix when he placed third, his only podium-finish from 2010-2013. His return might be historic, but it was overshadowed by his lackluster run.

3 He's Not Into Supercars

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It's not all about controversies about Schu. On the lighter side of things, it’s surprising to know that the German is not fond of luxury cars. He owns a Ferrari FXX, but it was a gift when he retired.

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One of his favorite vehicles is the Fiat Abarth 500, which can dart from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. At least with this turbocharged performance car, no red flags were raised. Or black flags, for that matter.

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2 No Racing For Mick

Mick Schumacher followed the footsteps of his father even though the older Schu admitted before that he does not want his son to enter the industry. The father is concerned about the safety of his son.

young-Michael- Schumacher
via: formula1.com

The racing icon, as expected, supported his son’s decision to take on the race tracks. According to his former manager, Schu wanted to guide Mick but the unfortunate skiing accident happened.

1 The Tragic Ski Accident

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In 2013, Schumacher suffered head injuries during a skiing accident. Since then, his family has remained quiet and so has F1. Even as Mick is now a celebrity like his dad, he rarely gives details about the racing legend’s condition.

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via: formula1.com

Though a controversial figure in the racing world, Schu is a private individual, after all. Missed by millions of his fans, maybe F1 and his family want The Red Baron to be remembered for his racing prowess, so he can continue inspiring the youth.