Michael Schumacher - the Legend and Icon

Public speaking informative speech

Michael Schumacher: The Legend and Icon

What came to your mind when you were being asked about Formula One, the most famous motor sport in the history of modern world? Some of you may talk about Ferrari, as it is the most popular team in formula one. Some of you may talk about the various circuits in the Formula One calendar. However I am sure that “most” of you will think about Michael Schumacher, the best and the most famous Formula One driver in the world. Throughout his 15 years career, he had broken numerous record, changed the world of racing, and the most important writing his name in history.

Michael Schumacher was born on 3rd of January 1969 in Cologne, Germany. He was not born in a rich family like typical Formula One driver. His father, Rolf Schumacher was a bricklayer, which also happened to run a local kart track. His mother Elisabeth Schumacher was working in the canteen. In the tender age of 4, Schumacher was given a kart with tiny motorcycle engine as a gift. After watching how little Michael enjoys karting, his parents put him into a local karting school. This soon proved to be the decision that will changed the life of Michael Schumacher.

By the age young age of 6, Schumacher won his first kart championship. At the age of 18, he became the German and European kart champion. By 1990, his skills brought him the title of Formula 3000 World Champion.

By the age of 21, Schumacher He wanted to progress further in the racing world, and there was only 1 thing on his mind, he waited for the chance to race in Formula One, but the chance never came. Until 1991 when Eddie Jordan, owner of Jordan Formula One Team, was looking for a quick driver because his official driver Bertrand Gachot was in jail due to altercation with taxi driver. Schumacher was lucky as he got the chance to do a test drive in Jordan Formula One car in Silverstone. After 33 laps in Silverstone, Michael Schumacher broke the fastest lap by Jordan drivers. Later, Eddie Jordan told him to prepare for his first race in Belgian Grand Prix, at Spa.

It was his first Formula One Grand Prix, and on the race day, Schumacher managed to race from the 7th place after an impressive qualifying session. Although he had managed a good starting grid, he failed to continue the race as 500 meters after start; his car broke down after experiencing clutch problem. Even though his first GP went to a disaster, Schumacher had managed to impressed people including Head of Benetton racing team, Flavio Briatore. Benetton directly sign young Schumacher to race for them in Monza, Italy. In his Autobiography: Schumacher, the official inside story of the Formula One Icon, he said, “it was a hard decision to leave Jordan after just 500 meters of race with the team that introduce you to Formula One, however it was the best choice for my future”.