Motorsports
A quieter side of a F1’s fiercest competitor: Michael Schumacher
Former Formula 1 driver and TV commentator Marc Surer has offered a rare personal glimpse into Michael Schumacher’s off-track personality, recalling the seven-time World Champion’s capacity to celebrate, reflect deeply and hold on to moments long after they passed. Surer shared memories of Schumacher in relaxed post-race moments that contrasted with his famously ruthless on-track […]
Former Formula 1 driver and TV commentator Marc Surer has offered a rare personal glimpse into Michael Schumacher’s off-track personality, recalling the seven-time World Champion’s capacity to celebrate, reflect deeply and hold on to moments long after they passed.
Surer shared memories of Schumacher in relaxed post-race moments that contrasted with his famously ruthless on-track image. The Swiss motorsport veteran: “I remember him after races drinking, smoking cigars and enjoying the win. But only for a short time.
“The next day, he was the serious Michael again. He could definitely celebrate. I remember one time in Monza, he was sitting on the roof of Bernie Ecclestone’s motorhome smoking a cigar. That was a classic.”
Despite his fierce reputation in competition, Surer described Schumacher as more emotionally attuned than many realised: “On the track, Schumacher was ruthless. But off-track, he was more sensitive than people think.
“I remember once in the DTM days, before he got to F1, he crashed with one of our drivers. I went up to him before the next race and said, ‘I’m watching you. Don’t do that again.’ He didn’t say a word then, but years later, he brought it up. ‘Did you really think I did it on purpose?’ He hadn’t forgotten.
“He was thoughtful, more so than his public image suggested,” revealed Surer
Surer: Ralf once asked me what “sh!t” I was saying on air
Surer also recalled his interactions with Michael’s younger brother Ralf Schumacher, particularly after he transitioned into broadcasting: “Ralf was always ‘Michael’s little brother’. He got into F1 partly because of Michael. He did well, but only when he had a great car, like the Williams at that time.
“I remember him confronting me once after a race, saying, ‘what sh!t are you talking about in your commentary?’ Now he’s a commentator himself, and I always tell him, ‘See? It’s not so easy!’
“But I have to say, he’s doing a good job. He’s not afraid to give a strong opinion, which is important. Too many commentators are too wishy-washy.”
Reflecting on Corinna Schumacher, Michael’s wife, Surer acknowledged they are no longer in regular contact but share a long-standing connection through equestrian interests: “I’m not really in touch with Corinna Schumacher now. I used to see her when Mick was in F1, but not much anymore. We both love horses though. I have horses, she does too, so maybe we’ll reconnect through that.”
Surer’s reflections add another layer to the Schumacher legacy — one marked not just by trophies and titles, but by memory, personality and a quieter side of a fierce competitor. (Source: Spin Genie)