The Independent newspaper sent Michael Schumacher an email. Did he reply? Well congratulations to the man, he did!
Seven world Formula One titles. A record. That's enough for any man, isn't it?
Some said the same after the sixth title, so...
You are a football manager. You can play either Michael Ballack or David Beckham. Who do you choose - and why?
You know, the thing about hypothetical questions is that I don't like to deal with them. Why should I worry about problems I don't have? I am far too realistic and busy a man to even think about questions like the one you just mentioned - well, maybe with the exception this time that, of course, I would play Ballack!
Did you learn anything useful about Formula One from the go-karting of your youth?
Sure! Besides the technical stuff you learn a lot about your behaviour on track, about how to compete, how to fight, to bring yourself into a good position, to defend yourself. You know, everything to do with dealing with the "playing field", and how to control it. It was a good experience and learning class for any other series later. But first of all it was big fun - maybe that was the biggest thing I learnt there.
After winning your sixth world title, according to a British newspaper, The Sun, you trashed your hotel room and then raced around in a forklift truck. Can this be true? And if so, where did you find the forklift?
Well, we had kind of a spontaneous party in the paddock which was a bit wild maybe, and as usual after races when everybody packs there were plenty of forklift trucks around...
Would you have won as many world titles if Ayrton Senna had not been killed in 1994? How much would you have enjoyed racing against him?
Another hypothetical one. How can I answer that seriously? Nobody knows. The only thing I know is that I would have enjoyed racing him, and that I miss him not only because of that.
Would you encourage your son to pursue a career in Formula One?
No. I probably would be much happier if he chose another sport or job. The burden for any son of a big name is just so high - I have seen this with Damon Hill or Jacques Villeneuve. They fight against so much more than any rivals; at least at the beginning, they are constantly compared. I would want my son to be able to make his own way, uncompared. But of course, if he fell in love with racing and absolutely wanted to go this way I'd support him. But thank God it does not look like this at the moment. He does so many sports, I don't see a preference by now.
You are a good footballer, by all reports. What position do you play, and how good could you have been if you had not been a racing driver?
Probably as good as I am now: not very good at all. I am an amateur and I just enjoy playing around. I know where my talents lie. When I was a kid the coaches used to position me on the substitutes' bench, and they had their reasons.
Will Germany win the 2006 World Cup on home soil? Will you watch them do it?
Of course, if I have time and opportunity I will watch as many matches as I can during the World Cup. No question about that. About the chances of the German team I cross fingers and clearly hope for their ability to always play well during tournaments - how often did we beat England, by the way?
Have you ever run someone off the track deliberately? Like Damon Hill, for instance? Or are you just misunderstood?
I am what I am. Some people understand me well, some less. That's just natural. The only thing to regret about this is that some don't even try.
How good a driver is Fernando Alonso? Will he ever win another world title?
Hey, he is world champion! You don't achieve this by chance. So please don't ask if Fernando is a good driver; of course he is and I said very often that I have a big respect for what he did this season together with his team.
Of what are you most proud outside your career in motor sport?
Easy: my family. The best thing I have in my life.
You recently donated $10m (£5.8m) to the Indian Ocean Earthquake appeal. Why?
Because the catastrophe was so big! So many people who had lost their loved ones, so many children left without parents, we really suffered when we saw the pictures on TV. Our decision was spontaneous and it was right.
How important is it for Ferrari that drivers will be able to change their tyres during racing next season?
If you ask me that again after we are able to know, I am happy to answer it. I know what you are heading to: that it will be an advantage for us. Let's wait and see. Last year we were not competitive in qualifying, when we were using new tyres. But in general, I am really happy with our work so far, even if it is too early to see how happy we can be with it.
Which conditions do you most hate driving in? Would you ever refuse to drive? Have you ever feared for your life while out on the circuit?
No, I don't feel fear. I feel respect sometimes, but I think it is essential not to over-do it. But I am absolutely in my element when in a cockpit and behind a steering wheel and I cannot even imagine this sensation ever stopping. I just love it. I felt so since I was a child. Really, I am a happy man: I have a wonderful family. And I had a wonderful hobby, which turned into a great job.
Could you ever enjoy a quiet life?
This is exactly what I do. This is exactly the life I am living outside the racing world - and I do enjoy it much more than the life in the paddock. I would not need anything that is around the driving, I would be happy driving and competing without any of the attention at all. I am really surprised you ask that question.
The German stereotype, for English people, is: super-organised, lacking in humour, more often than not victorious. What is the English stereotype for German people?
Every time I talk with an English journalist we end up with stereotypes. I don't understand why this seems to be so important for English people. My experience in life is that everybody is his own person and that stereotypes are not true or funny. You may see this as lacking in humour now if you want.
Would you have a problem if Ralf won the world title? Do you have a psychological edge over your little brother?
You know, on the track during a race we are competitors. We drive for different teams, so we fight against each other. Still, both of us know that we are brothers. If Ralf became world champion I would be very happy for him. And I am sure he is happy if I win the championship next year.
Is there anyone you don't have a psychological edge over?
Gina-Maria when she comes and plays with me - I don't know if you have a daughter, but I can tell you it is hard to stay with your opinions sometimes. She is just so sweet, as is Mick. My kids are wonderful, and sometimes Corinna and me laugh our heads off at one of their sayings.
Which three words sum up your character?
Talent, passion, wonderful emotions. |
