Fundamental Michael Schumacher trait identified by ex-Ferrari ally

Michael SchumacherFerrari’s unique genius is praised by a former Ferrari ally.

Schumacher’s run of five consecutive Formula 1 championships, while driving in the famous red of Ferrari, remains an important part of the sport’s folklore.

Stefano Domenicali, now the F1 CEO, worked at Ferrari for part of Schumacher’s heyday.

“There has never been an occasion where he accused the team,” Domenicali said Gazette.

“A feeling of extraordinary power that characterized him.

“I have met many drivers, but Michael was extraordinary from this point of view.”

Schumacher’s then record of seven F1 championships has since been equaled by Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton could break the all-time record if he wins an eighth title when he joins Ferrari next year.

“Ferrari will soon have Hamilton and I was lucky enough to work with Fernando Alonso and he shows that age is no limit,” said Domenicali.

“And Kimi Raikkonen, even though he seemed very cold, had an extraordinary sensitivity.”

Domenicali shared the secret of a champion driver.

“First he must believe that he is the strongest of them all,” he said.

“And then he must have the ability to stop and maximize every frame of his performance, and to integrate with the mechanics and the team.

“Then you lower your sights and you have to be ruthless.

“Because if you think about two-tenths of a gap, we’re talking about nothing.

“Details are fundamental.”

Two Ferrari icons compared

Domenicali worked at the Italian manufacturer under Luca di Montezemolo and Jean Todt – two Ferrari legends.

“Two people who have given value to me as a person, but especially to Ferrari,” said Domenicali.

“Montezemolo has revived a somewhat lost company. He gave coherence to values and the numbers speak.

“As for Todt, I spent more time with him than with my wife.

“I learned a very meticulous and precise way of working and he made trust in the people around him a mantra.”

Domenicali said of his own departure from Ferrari ten years ago: “It was difficult because after 23 years there is a danger of thinking you have no other options.

“But I had peace of mind, things hadn’t gone well and it was good to take responsibility and step aside.