Just in:Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Overlooked in Formula 1’s 75th Anniversary Celebr…read more.
Just in:Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Overlooked in Formula 1’s 75th Anniversary Celebr…read more.
As Formula 1 marks its monumental 75th anniversary, fans around the world are reflecting on the sport’s rich and transformative history. Since the first official race at Silverstone in 1950, Formula 1 has evolved dramatically—technologically, commercially, and culturally. The Silverstone Grand Prix itself is almost unrecognizable compared to that inaugural race, where Alfa Romeo—not Ferrari—dominated the podium.
Over these 75 years, the sport has produced legendary figures such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Ayrton Senna, and more recently, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. These icons have helped shape F1 into the global phenomenon it is today, filled with drama, innovation, and unforgettable moments.
To honor this incredible legacy, Formula 1 launched a 24-hour livestream event featuring seven classic races. However, the selection has drawn criticism from fans and historians alike for focusing solely on a narrow window of F1’s timeline—just 17 seasons, beginning with the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix and ending with the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
While these races include modern classics, the glaring omissions are impossible to ignore. There is no footage of legendary drivers such as Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, or—perhaps most shockingly—Michael Schumacher during his era-defining tenure at Ferrari. For many, Schumacher’s time with the Scuderia represents one of the most dominant and transformative periods in the sport’s history. Ignoring it feels akin to commemorating Premier League history without a single mention of Alan Shearer.
Of course, there are practical challenges. Races prior to the 1980s often lack high-quality broadcast footage, and the complexities of licensing and tobacco sponsorship imagery may have played a role in the decision-making process. Still, these hurdles haven’t stopped F1 from sharing highlights from the 1990s and 2000s on their official platforms.
It’s hard to excuse the absence of Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari battles—from his duel with Mika Hakkinen at Spa in 2000, to the tactical masterclass of the 2004 French Grand Prix with its bold four-stop strategy. Then there’s the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix, where Schumacher put on a wet-weather driving clinic that still stands as one of the finest performances in F1 history. Or his emotional first win at Monza with Ferrari that same year.
These moments are not just highlights—they’re milestones in the sport’s history. Including them in the 75th anniversary celebrations would have been a powerful way to honor F1’s legacy while also educating a new generation of fans.
Instead, Formula 1’s decision to largely skip over these historic chapters feels like a significant oversight. For a sport that prides itself on heritage and passion, this was a missed opportunity to showcase the full depth and breadth of what has made Formula 1 great.
