Michael Schumacher at Monza ahead of the Italian GP in 2012 (Source: Getty)

Michael Schumacher is regarded as one of the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T) in the Formula 1 world. He holds the joint record for the most driver’s titles (seven
championships), tied with Lewis Hamilton.

Schumacher competed in several junior Formula divisions after winning the German and European karting championships. Gaining considerable experience, he eventually moved to Formula 1 in 1991. Since then, the German driver began dominating the grid, first with Benetton (two back-to-back world championships in 1994 and 1995) and then with Ferrari (five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004).
With 91 career wins and 155 podiums, Michael Schumacher is currently second in the most wins list behind Hamilton (105 wins and 201 podiums). Here’s a look at Schumacher’s top 5 quotes that made him one of the most iconic drivers in F1.

#1. Once something is a passion, the motivation is there

“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there” is one of Schumacher’s most impactful quotes to date. Stating that Formula 1 is his passion, the German driver highlighted how he stayed motivated through the ups and downs in his career. He said this during an interview in 2002 after a high-speed accident.

#2. I’ve always believed that you should never, ever give up and you should always keep fighting even when there’s only a slightest chance

This iconic quote was said during a congratulatory message to Kimi Raikkonen after the latter won the Formula 1 driver’s championship with Ferrari in 2007. This was likely due to the fact that Raikkonen took the title from Lewis Hamilton with a difference of
just 1 point in the final race. Schumacher was a firm believer in pushing the limits to maximize results.

#3. First, you have to finish

Quoted in 2001 after winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Schumacher’s sentiment behind the statement highlights the idea of completing the task at hand first before taking on another challenge or task.

#4. Everyone is replaceable, including me.

Despite being a seven-time world champion and an icon in Formula 1, Michael
Schumacher kept himself grounded. During an interview with SPIEGEL, the German driver said that everyone in the sport can be replaced, highlighting the importance of keeping focused and pushing the limits to stay ahead of the competition.

The interview took place before Schumacher’s first retirement from F1 after losing the title in two back-to-back seasons to Fernando Alonso.

#5. I’m Michael Schumacher. I don’t need to test my driving ability

This statement came after a disappointing Qualifying session in China in 2004. With Schumacher pushing the limits in Qualifying, everyone was expecting a front-row lockout by the champion and his Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello. However, a spin in the first corner pushed the German driver to the back of the pack.
It was a response to the statement by BBC SPORT, ‘Rubens Barrichello has grabbed pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix after his Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher spun on his qualifying lap.’