SHOCK WAVES: Schumacher is investigated for 'attempted murder..

F1’s biggest scandals: Schumacher is investigated for ‘attempted murder

Michael Schumacher, a two-time world champion, remains the only driver ever disqualified from the Formula 1 world championship. This dramatic moment in F1 history occurred after a controversial incident at the 1997 European Grand Prix in Jerez, which saw Schumacher clash with Williams driver Jacques Villeneuve in a title-deciding race.

The race began with a rare and remarkable event: Schumacher, Villeneuve, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen all posted identical times in qualifying. As the race progressed, Schumacher took the lead, with Villeneuve close behind. On lap 48, at Turn 6, Villeneuve made a daring move to overtake Schumacher on the inside. Reacting quickly, Schumacher steered into Villeneuve in an attempt to force him out of the race and secure the championship for himself.

However, Schumacher’s attempt failed. Instead of eliminating Villeneuve, Schumacher found himself stuck in the gravel while Villeneuve continued, eventually securing the world championship. Commentator Martin Brundle famously remarked, “That didn’t work, you hit the wrong part of him, Michael, my friend.” Schumacher’s reputation took a serious hit, and the incident did not end there.

Schumacher faced disciplinary action from the FIA for his actions. Although he was allowed to retain his race wins, pole positions, and points from the season, his second-place finish in the championship was erased from the record books. In addition, Schumacher was ordered to perform community service, specifically contributing to road safety projects. The FIA’s then-president, Max Mosley, clarified that Schumacher’s actions were deliberate but not premeditated. Mosley wanted to address the growing trend of championship-deciding collisions, a pattern that had been seen previously in incidents involving Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in 1989 and 1990, as well as Schumacher and Damon Hill in 1994.

While Schumacher eventually issued an apology, acknowledging his mistake, the damage to his reputation, especially in the German and Italian press, was significant. The British media, already critical of Schumacher following the 1994 incident with Hill, were particularly unforgiving.

This, however, was not the end of the matter. In a surprising twist, Schumacher was investigated by German authorities after a member of the public from Frankfurt filed a complaint, accusing him of attempted murder in connection with the incident with Villeneuve. Under German law, Schumacher, a German citizen, could be investigated for actions committed abroad, even though the race took place in Spain.

Hans Bernhard Jansen, the chief prosecutor at the time, explained that due to the complaint, the authorities were required to investigate Schumacher’s conduct. The investigation, which took place in early 1998, ultimately concluded that there was no criminal act involved, and the case was swiftly closed.

Despite the investigation clearing him of criminal wrongdoing, the episode added another layer of infamy to an already controversial chapter in Schumacher’s career. The disqualification and attempted murder accusation left a lasting impact on the sport. Mosley’s efforts to prevent similar incidents seemed effective, as no world championship since 1997 has been decided by on-track collisions between title contenders.

The incident remains one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history, illustrating the high stakes and intense pressures drivers face in the race for championship glory.