F1 | Michael Schumacher, 2013 interview: “Suzuka 2000 the most exciting victory”

The family of Michael Schumacher had an interview published on the official website of the seven-time world champion (initially considered unpublished and instead dated 23 October 2013, ed.) where the German, who continues the long rehabilitation process in his Swiss villa in Gland following the The accident that occurred five years ago on the snows of Meribel retraces his glorious career.

A memory could not be missing from the first title won in the red Ferrari suit in 2000 at Suzuka: "It was the most emotional victory, they hadn't won the Drivers' World Championship for 21 years and I hadn't managed it for four and finally we managed to win a great championship".

Among the various opponents fought on the track, Schumi remembers one in particular: “Mika Hakkinen was the rival I respected the most, for the great battles on the track and for the relationship built off it too".

The German also reveals his idol, who does not come from the world of motorsport: “When I was little there were people like Ayrton Senna and Vincenzo Sospiri on the track. But my idol was Toni Schumacher, a great football player (West Germany goalkeeper, ed.)”.

Speaking about Formula One he then added: “Successes are only built through teamwork, developing one's talent and perfecting the racing skills used in karting".

Schumacher also wanted to pay homage to a friend, companion of many victories: "At Benetton we won after four-five years, same as at Ferrari. At Mercedes we didn't want the same time. What do these three projects have in common?? Ross Brawn".