Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Overlooked in F1's 75th...

Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Overlooked in F1’s 75th…read more

In a move that has sparked backlash from fans and pundits alike, Formula 1’s celebration of its 75th anniversary has come under fire for what many are calling a glaring and unjustified omission. As part of the commemorative event, F1 launched a curated streaming series featuring full race replays—but the content is limited to a narrow 17-season window. Starting with the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix—where Lewis Hamilton famously secured his first world championship—and ending with the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the selection skips over decades of pivotal moments and legendary figures, most notably Michael Schumacher’s dominant years with Ferrari.

The exclusion of Schumacher’s Ferrari era, one of the most iconic and successful periods in the sport’s history, has left fans puzzled and disappointed. From 2000 to 2004, Schumacher claimed five consecutive world titles with Ferrari, setting records and redefining the standards of excellence in Formula 1. His duels with Mika Hakkinen, such as the memorable 2000 Belgian Grand Prix, and his tactically brilliant four-stop victory at the 2004 French Grand Prix are etched into F1 folklore. Many view this period as a golden era—not just for Schumacher, but for the sport as a whole.

To leave out such a defining chapter has been likened to a football documentary ignoring Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer. Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, remains one of F1’s most celebrated and influential drivers. His omission from a historic showcase intended to honor the sport’s legacy seems not only baffling but disrespectful to the achievements of both the man and the team that helped shape modern Formula 1.

Supporters and historians argue that any true retrospective of F1 must include the Ferrari-Schumacher era. These years were critical in reestablishing Ferrari as the team to beat and in captivating a global audience. Races like the rain-soaked 1996 Spanish Grand Prix, where Schumacher drove a masterclass in adverse conditions to claim his first victory with Ferrari, are still widely cited as some of the greatest performances in the sport’s history. His maiden win at Monza for Ferrari that same year was another landmark moment that deserves recognition.

F1’s decision to limit the event’s race selection to the post-2008 era has raised questions about the motivations behind the choice. While there are understandable hurdles in broadcasting older races—such as limited archival footage, especially before the 1980s, and complications from tobacco advertising common in the 1990s and early 2000s—these issues haven’t prevented F1 from uploading such content to platforms like YouTube. There, races featuring tobacco branding and vintage coverage have been accessible to fans for years, indicating that technological or sponsorship barriers may not fully explain the omission.

Critics argue that by focusing predominantly on more recent seasons, F1 is not just overlooking its history, but potentially failing to educate newer fans on the roots of the sport. The rise of modern stars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and others is crucial, but it builds upon the legacy carved out by titans such as Senna, Prost, and Schumacher. Ignoring their contributions diminishes the broader narrative of F1’s evolution.

While the intent behind the streaming event—to celebrate 75 years of racing—is commendable, the execution has left a significant portion of F1’s storied past in the shadows. For a sport that often prides itself on its rich heritage, this selective commemoration feels incomplete. To truly honor the legacy of Formula 1, future tributes must embrace the full spectrum of its history—including the dominance of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.