Michael Schumacher: 7-time Formula 1 World Champion.
In 2004, Schumacher had a dominant season, securing 13 wins from 18 Grands Prix.
Broke his own record and became the only driver to win five consecutive championships.
2004 Season Overview
Car: Ferrari F2004, faster and more efficient than the 2003 model.
Driver: Michael Schumacher was a faster driver in 2004 than in the previous year.
Won 72% of races, with only one hiccup in Monaco due to a crash.
Clinched the title in Belgium on August 29, with four races remaining.
Key People and Insights
Andrea Stella
Role: Performance engineer for Ferrari in the early 2000s.
Focused on maximizing car performance through data analysis and electronics.
Highlight: The 2004 car was better in all areas, leading to Michael's comfort and performance.
Sabine Kem
Role: Media and PR consultant for Michael Schumacher.
Described Michael as easy to work with, kind, and at the center of the team.
Key to Success: Mental strength, confidence, and teamwork harmony.
Michael's intrinsic motivation drove him to continuously improve.
Diego Ioverno
Role: Gearbox engineer for Ferrari in 2004.
Highlighted the importance of team spirit and commitment.
Described Michael as a team player with a genuine focus on the team's success.
Recalled strong team culture and camaraderie, including Thursday football matches.
Notable Challenges and Strengths
Regulations: 2004 saw changes like the ban on fully automatic gearboxes.
Team Strength: Strong leadership and unity within Ferrari.
Michael's Approach: Focused on details and continuous improvement, which was a weapon.
Personal Attributes of Michael Schumacher
Self-Doubt: Experienced doubts each season but overcame them through testing and preparation.
Perfectionism: Driven by a desire for perfection and love for the sport.
Celebrations: Enjoyed celebrating victories and team success.
Conclusion
2004 was statistically Schumacher's best season, marked by dominance and strong team collaboration.
His success was a result of personal drive, team effort, and a superior car.
Reflections on Ferrari and F1
Today's Ferrari team is constrained by rules and financial regulations but still retains the commitment and family atmosphere that characterized the Schumacher era.