F1 News: Damon Hill Reveals the Dark Side of Michael Schumacher Rivalry

Alex Harrington | 7 Hours Ago

Nov 17, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Formula One driver Michael Schumacher (7) during practice for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher's first Formula 1 World Championship title offers a poignant occasion for reflection on one of the sport's most intense rivalries. In 1994, Schumacher clinched his first championship by a narrow margin after an eventful season, culminating in a collision with rival Damon Hill at the Australian Grand Prix. The rivalry between Schumacher and Hill was fiercely competitive.

The 1994 season was marred by tragedy with the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the San Marino Grand Prix. This tragedy reshaped the top tiers of the sport, allowing Schumacher and Hill to emerge as leading contenders for the championship title. Schumacher, racing for Benetton, showcased a dominant performance by winning eight of the twelve races he drove in.

However, his season was not without controversy. Disqualifications for various infractions, including overtaking Damon Hill on a formation lap and ignoring black flags at the British Grand Prix, added drama to the season and offered Hill an opportunity to close the points gap.

The championship was finally decided at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Nigel Mansell took pole position, creating a competitive backdrop as Hill pursued Schumacher on race day. The decisive moment occurred on lap 36 when Schumacher collided with Hill, ensuring both their retirements from the race and confirming Schumacher as the first German Formula 1 World Champion by a single point margin.

Reflecting on this rivalry, Damon Hill shared his thoughts on the pressure and psychological warfare that characterized their championship battle.

"Michael and I actually got on well, but on the track we hated each other. It was and is not possible to be any other way if you want to become Formula 1 world champion," Hill told Bild.

"There was no room for niceties. You have to exploit every weakness of your opponent and wear him down with it.

"Michael was a master of psychological games. He made me feel like I was useless and untalented. And he told the press that too. Because he won a lot of races back then, there was no reason not to believe him."

Despite the on-track animosity, both drivers maintained a cordial relationship off track. "Michael was a very competitive but a very warm person," Hill stated.

Schumacher's legacy extends beyond his seven world championship titles, which include five with Ferrari and two with Benetton. His influence remains profound, despite a tragic skiing accident in 2013 that has since kept him away from the public eye. Lewis Hamilton, himself a seven-time world champion, expressed admiration for the driver, focusing on his personal legacy.

"When it comes to Michael's legacy, for me he is primarily a person and less a competitor," Hamilton said. He added, "It's not about titles or trophies, but about the family that he and Corinna founded together."