Michael Schumacher gearing up for 300th Grand Prix

Undeniably one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, Michael Schumacher, is gearing up for his 300th Grand Prix next weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. The 7-time World Champion has enjoyed unparalleled success in the sport, and has seen many of his most iconic moments occur at the legendary track in the Ardennes Forest.

Whether it was making his F1 debut back in 1991, winning his first race in 1992 or winning his final World Championship to date in 2004, Michael Schumacher has enjoyed many great races around Spa-Francorchamps. However, this season will once again see Michael Schumacher make Formula 1 history at Spa, as he becomes only the second driver to reach the milestone of 300 races or more.

Ironically Michael Schumacher’s former team-mate, Rubens Barrichello, is the other driver to have partaken in 300 races or more. The two drivers were team-mates at Ferrari for numerous years, with Michael Schumacher storming to five back-to-back Championship titles, whereas Rubens Barrichello was forced to adhere to team orders on several occasions and failed to win a Championship of his own.

As Michael Schumacher prepares to head to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit once again, his aim is to undoubtedly celebrate his milestone in style. The 43-year-old German has enjoyed limited success during his return to the sport with Mercedes, only just managing to return to the podium with 3rd at this season’s European Grand Prix. However, Schumacher is positive that a decent result is possible once the Formula 1 fraternity reconvenes after the summer break.

“Spa is like my living room; for me, it’s clearly the number one race track in the world.” Explained Michael Schumacher ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. “It’s uncanny how I always seem to have special moments there - my debut, my first win, a World Championship victory and many great races. The fact that I will also take part in my 300th Grand Prix at Spa was somehow almost inevitable and we will have to celebrate it in the right way. We delivered a good performance in Spa last year; I’ll be doing everything possible to drive a strong race.”

Like with many races on the calendar, Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most amount of victories at the Belgian Grand Prix with six. The German’s last victory around Spa-Francorchamps was in 2002, a year when Schumacher was almost unstoppable and was already crowned World Champion by the French Grand Prix with six races to go in the season. Admittedly those dominant days are long gone for Michael Schumacher, however a decent result at this year’s Belgian Grand Prix would be the ideal way to celebrate his milestone of 300 Grands Prix.

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