A decade after his devastating skiing accident, Michael Schumacher remains a figure of immense interest and respect in the world of motorsport. Recently, the former boss of Mercedes F1, Norbert Haug, was quoted in the press sharing his thoughts on the German legend. But another, and rather unknown, former Formula 1 employee who worked with Schumacher and other drivers, also shared a curious and light-hearted anecdote that reveals a different side to the legend known for his fierce competitiveness on the track.
On a quiet December morning in the French Alps, Michael Schumacher, an accomplished skier, was enjoying a family holiday in the picturesque ski resort of Meribel. With his son and friends, he ventured into the off-piste areas of the mountain, known for its challenging terrain. Tragically, despite wearing a helmet, Schumacher suffered a serious accident when he hit his head on a rock. The impact caused severe head injuries and marked a significant turning point in his life.
The immediate medical response
Schumacher was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital where he underwent critical medical interventions. The procedures were designed to relieve pressure on his brain and remove haematomas. To aid his recovery, he was placed in a medically-induced coma, a necessary step to stabilise his condition and facilitate healing.
Norbert Haug, former Mercedes boss and influential figure in motorsport, shared his personal insights and memories of Schumacher, offering a glimpse into the F1 legend’s potential career paths and leadership qualities.
Haug’s reflections on the accident
Reflecting on the accident, Haug described the incident as “more than fatal”, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life. He insisted that Schumacher was not a risky driver and praised his ability to maintain control and think strategically.
Throughout Schumacher’s recovery, his family, including his son Mick, have faced the situation with strength and unity. Haug expressed his admiration for their handling of the situation and their decision to keep Schumacher’s health private.
Mick Schumacher’s future in motorsport
Haug also spoke about Mick Schumacher’s prospects, particularly his recent move to the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He believes that Mick can build a solid foundation for his career in the WEC, despite the challenges he has faced due to his father’s accident.
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Schumacher’s leadership qualities
During his time at Mercedes, Haug witnessed Schumacher’s leadership qualities at first hand. He noted Schumacher’s nurturing nature and his influence on younger drivers, including Timo Glock and Sebastian Vettel. Haug believed that Schumacher’s team-oriented approach and strategic thinking would have made him an exceptional manager, had he chosen that path.
Although Schumacher’s return to Formula One with Mercedes did not bring any additional victories, his role in the team’s development was crucial. Haug highlighted Schumacher’s work in laying the foundations for Mercedes’ subsequent success with Lewis Hamilton.
A culinary encounter with Schumacher
Dave Freeman, who once worked as a sushi chef for Honda and other Formula One teams, told the BBC about his unique interactions with Michael Schumacher. Although not directly associated with Honda, Schumacher, a renowned lover of Japanese cuisine, would often indulge in Freeman’s sushi delicacies during his time at Ferrari.
His physiotherapist, Balbir Singh, would regularly fetch plates of sushi for Schumacher after qualifying sessions, demonstrating the driver’s appreciation of Freeman’s culinary skills.
“He had nothing to do with Honda, but he liked Japanese food. So his physio Balbir Singh came over regularly and got him a plate of sushi after qualifying,” said the chef.
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The missing plate incident
Freeman recounted a humorous incident involving Schumacher and a plate of Japanese sushi he had prepared especially for the racing icon. However, the story took an unexpected turn when Schumacher’s mother passed away during a race weekend in San Marino. After eating from the special plate on Saturday, Schumacher flew out to be with his mother and returned the next day to win the race. In the midst of these events, Freeman’s plate went missing.
When Freeman enquired about the plate’s whereabouts, Balbir informed him that Schumacher had taken it home. Freeman jokingly commented on the cost of the plate, leading to an unexpected but amusing resolution.
“He ate my food on Saturday and then flew out to be with her. The next day he came back and won the race,” Freeman said.
“But I didn’t get my plate back, so after the race I went to Balbir and asked: ‘Where’s my plate?’ He said, ‘Oh, Michael took it on the plane and now it’s at his house.’ I replied jokingly: ‘That’s nice, it cost me a hundred.’”
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A ridiculous debt and a lasting impression
Five minutes after Freeman’s request, one of Schumacher’s team members arrived with a cheque book to settle the “debt” for the plate, a gesture that amused Freeman. Later, in Monaco, Freeman humorously confronted Schumacher about the missing plate, calling him a “thief”, to laughter from both sides.
Freeman recalled. “A while after that I saw Michael in Monaco and said: ‘Where’s my plate, you thief?!’ We both had a really good laugh about it.”
This light-hearted interaction between the chef and the racing legend highlights Schumacher’s down-to-earth nature and ability to share a laugh.
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A fond memory of the 2003 season finale
Freeman also recalled a memorable moment from the tense 2003 season finale in Japan, which featured a duel between Ferrari and Williams. As a gesture of appreciation, Schumacher invited Freeman, then working for Williams, to pose for a photograph.
“It was the last race, it was the duel between Ferrari and Williams, the situation was tense,” says Freeman.
Dressed in his Williams gear, Freeman entered the Ferrari garage where Schumacher expressed his gratitude and posed for a picture.
“Balbir came into our motorhome and said, ‘Michael wants to take a photo with you.’ I had my Williams clothes on and went into the Ferrari garage. Michael came to me and said, ‘Dave, I wanted to thank you, let’s take a picture.’ I had it framed and had him sign it with the dedication ‘for my sushi’.”
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This anecdote certainly sheds light on the human side of Michael Schumacher, a side often overshadowed by his on-track persona. Freeman’s memories paint a picture of Schumacher as a person who, beyond his racing accolades, enjoyed simple pleasures like sushi and shared moments of humour and gratitude.
As Schumacher continues to be revered in the F1 world, stories like Freeman’s add depth to the legend’s legacy and remind us of the multifaceted nature of sporting heroes.
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