Michael Schumacher and the place where it all began

A loop is missing. Or two. Or three. Just like it's common practice now when adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream with all the force of a normal citizen. For a brief moment, forces of up to 6g (equivalent to six times your body weight) should come into effect. Actually, it's almost unbearable. But it is these enormous acceleration forces that make a roller coaster ride so exciting and because they only occur for very short moments, it is probably also justifiable for your health, especially since it is really fun.

Yes, I like to come out as a fan of the “Wild Mouse” (that was the first roller coaster at Oktoberfest and an institution before the modern monsters came along, which of course offer a lot more thrills). There is also a roller coaster in Formula 1. In the Ardennes, in Belgium, near Francorchamps. The height difference of 100 meters is actually ridiculous, but extreme for a Formula 1 circuit. And there are a lot of curves, which is basically desirable in car racing. Many changes in direction can change a lot in the course of the race. It all started with a clutch failure Francorchamps is therefore a classic that is back on the program this weekend. But it's not just a race track. The “Ardennes rollercoaster,” as it is respectfully called, documented the beginning of a new era in Formula 1. She was essentially the midwife for Michael Schumacher, who is undergoing medical rehabilitation with serious head injuries after his skiing accident in 2013. His actual state of health is kept almost confidential. And perhaps it's a good thing that the public cannot demand every right to information.

In the spotlight: Michael Schumacher. © AFP / WILLIAM WEST

Schumacher did not finish his Formula 1 debut at that time. After just 700 meters in Francorchamps, a damaged clutch in his Jordan dashed the hope of a sensation that had been on the horizon after the previous trips. For “Schumi”, as everyone would later call him, this wasn't even that dramatic, because he had revealed his extraordinary talent and aroused the interest of Benetton boss Flavio Briatore, who was determined to lure Michael Schumacher into his racing team by any means necessary . He ultimately succeeded with some pretty complicated tricks. The beginning of an era Schumacher personally stayed out of all the legal quibbles. His manager Willi Weber took care of everything. Briatore won and it was the start of a unique career. For Benetton and for Schumacher. This was followed by an engagement with Ferrari and later with Mercedes, which caused great celebration in Germany. Just as if the Savior had finally found his home. Finally the best German racing driver that ever existed was in a German car. Since then, Ferrari has been lagging behind because the constant driver and perfectionist Michael Schumacher is probably missing to give the Italian racing team the final kick.

Michael Schumacher's first Grand Prix victory came, how could it be otherwise, in Francorchamps in 1992. A life intoxicated by speed that was abruptly stopped by a tragic accident. In the meantime, when he had left the Formal 1, he raced motorcycles and many attested to his exceptional abilities here too. It may be described as a hint of fate that four years ago his son Mick drove his father's Benetton over the Ardennes rollercoaster as part of the Formula 1 race at the time and that now, this weekend, he is officially in his twelfth year with the Haas team Competes in Formula 1 races. Mick is surprisingly calm It is to be hoped that his car's clutch will last longer than was the case with his father Michael. And somehow it always seems as if Michael Schumacher was still standing on the side of the track or in the pit lane to give tips. As if he were keeping a watchful eye on his colleague, who deals with the fact that, as the son of the incomparable Michael Schumacher, he is in more intense focus than many of his colleagues. The name may have helped, but what's more, his talent cannot be overlooked.

It is hoped that the dad will be able to consciously absorb the good news about his son's career. We all don't know that, but that shouldn't stop us from sending our good thoughts to Michael Schumacher and keeping our fingers crossed for our son, even if he probably won't be as successful as his dad. But who could do that? Francorchamps definitely brings back many memories. Greetings from the rollercoaster of life.

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Michael Schumacher and the place where it all began

There will be another Formula 1 race in the Belgian Ardennes this weekend. Our columnist Sigi Heinrich looks back three decades, when Michael Schumacher's career there began with a clutch failure and yet led to unimagined heights.

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