25 Years On: Schumacher’s First Ferrari Title
A quarter of a century after Suzuka 2000, we revisit the race that saw Michael Schumacher clinch his first Formula 1 Drivers’ Title for the Scuderia and marked a new era of dominance.
When Michael Schumacher won the Japanese Grand Prix 25 years ago on 8 October 2000, it marked more than simply a race victory or even his third world championship – the German driver had just clinched the Scuderia’s first Formula 1 Driver’s Title in 21 years.
‘You are great Ross, all of you guys… We did it, we did it… I can’t believe it!’
Cruising around on his victory lap, the V10 of his Ferrari F1-2000 still singing, Schumacher’s voice crackled with emotion over the radio to Technical Director Ross Brawn. That disbelief was real, born from four seasons of frustration that climaxed in 1999 – the year Ferrari had taken the Constructors’ crown, but during which Schumacher had been sidelined after a heavy shunt at Silverstone.
Author's summary: Schumacher wins first Ferrari title.