Every legend deserves to have their story told. So it was only a matter of time before a streaming platform such as Netflix launched its own feature-length documentary about 91 Grand Prix winner and seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, complete with an epic first trailer.
Simply entitled Schumacher, the upcoming release will cover the motorsport GOAT’s illustrious career on the track – from his humble beginnings karting in Kerpen, to securing his record seventh world title with Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro back in 2004 (a feat only equalled by Mercedes’ Sir Lewis Hamilton just last year). Though that isn’t to say his life off the track will be neglected, either – beyond the severe brain injury sustained after a skiing accident in 2013, which he’s still recovering from to this day.
Schumacher will reportedly feature never-before-seen archival footage showing the “many facets of his multi-layered personality”; alongside interviews from his brother Ralf, wife Corinna, children Gina and recent F1 debutante Mick (currently driving for Haas), as well as former professional rivals, peers, and associates.
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At this stage, confirmed appearances aside from Michael Schumacher’s family include:
- Mika Hakkinen
- Sebastian Vettel
- David Coulthard
- Piero Ferrari
- former Ferrari Team Principal Luca di Montezemolo
- former FIA Chief Jean Todt
- former Renault Team Principal / Benetton Managing Director Flavio Briatore
- F1 legend Damon Hill (son of the even more iconic Graham hill)
- former Formula 1 CEO, Bernie Ecclestone
“Michael Schumacher has redefined the professional image of a racing driver and has set new standards,” states Sabine Kehm, Schumi’s longtime manager and press officer.
“In his quest for perfection, he spared neither himself nor his team, driving them to the greatest successes. He is admired all over the world for his leadership qualities.”
“He found the strength for this task and the balance to recharge at home, with his family, whom he loves idolatrously. In order to preserve his private sphere as a source of strength, he has always rigorously and consistently separated his private from his public life.”
“This film tells of both worlds. It is his family’s gift to their beloved husband and father.”
The film has been written and directed by Vanessa Nocker, Hanns-Bruno Kammertons, and Michael Wech; produced by B|14 FILM GmbH and Benjamin Seikel. Nocker and Seikel have both previously collaborated on another sports documentary surrounding the story of German tennis star, Boris Becker.
“The documentary was a big challenge and needed a lot of time and sensitivity, considering the pressure that was put on the production from the outside,” says Seikel.
“But thanks to a great team and a really great collaboration with the family, we didn’t let ourselves get rattled. We’re grateful that it’s finally getting underway and excited about its global release on Netflix.”
“The film was always intended to be an international documentary and we’re confident it will be embraced as such.”
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“The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family,” says Noecker.
“Corinna Schumacher herself was our greatest support in this. She herself wanted to make an authentic film, to show Michael as he is, with all his ups and downs, without any sugarcoating.”
“She was great and brave enough to let us do what we wanted, and so we respected and kept her boundaries. A very inspiring, warm woman who made a lasting impression on all of us.”
The brand new Michael Schumacher documentary will be available to stream via Netflix from September 15th (just over 30 years since he made his F1 debut with Jordan in Belgium) – watch the first trailer below.
