Michael Schumacher is regarded as one of the best drivers to ever race in Formula One, with a record seven world titles to his name.
But behind the bare, brilliant statistics there were moments of genius.
Here are five of his finest victories.
1995 – Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
Schumacher’s hopes of winning at the track where he claimed his first victory looked slim after qualifying 16th. But in changeable conditions he quickly moved forward to engage in a fierce tussle with Damon Hill. Schumacher at one stage held his rival at bay despite using dry tyres on a wet track, before going on to win.
1996 – Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Catalunya
It had not been the easiest start to life at Ferrari for Schumacher, but his first win for the Italian marque was one of the finest drives of his career. On a soaking track the German recovered from a poor start to simply drive away from the rest of the field, at one stage comfortably lapping four seconds quicker than any of his rivals.
1998 – Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring
McLaren appeared set to take a one-two finish through Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard before the tactical nous of Ross Brawn and Schumacher’s astonishing talents intervened. Brawn switched Schumacher to a three-stop strategy and the German produced a stunning display of flat-out driving to first jump the McLarens at the second round of stops, and then open enough of a gap to exit his final stop with his lead intact and take victory.
2000 – Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
Schumacher’s battle for the title with Hakkinen had already produced several memorable battles, most notably in Belgium, and this was another humdinger. There was little to separate the pair for much of the race, but Schumacher’s wet-weather skills meant he had the edge when drizzle fell during the closing stages and he pounced to take the win and the title, Ferrari’s first for 21 years.
2003 – San Marino Grand Prix, Imola
Schumacher and his brother Ralf decided to race on at Imola despite the death of their mother Elisabeth just hours before the start. Despite his grief Schumacher produced a faultless display to take victory. No champagne was sprayed on the podium as a mark of respect.
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