An Epochal Open Letter from Michael Schumacher to His Former F1 Teams, Fans, and the Whole Racing Community
Dear Ferrari, Benetton, Mercedes, the FIA family, and the entire global racing community:
As I reflect on the long and exciting route I’ve traveled—filled with roaring motors, burning rubber, successes, and even heartbreaks—I find myself overcome with emotion. This letter is a heartfelt homage to everyone who made my Formula One career not only possible, but legendary.
To my past teams—Benetton, where it all began, Ferrari, where I created history, and Mercedes, where I returned with zeal—thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and being by my side through every high-speed corner and pit stop in life. Benetton provided me my first chance to pursue my dreams on the global scale. Ferrari became my heart and soul, a family that helped me rise, rebuild, and triumph. Mercedes offered me a second chapter, full of grace, progress, and thankfulness.
Every engineer, mechanic, and strategist—your brilliance behind the scenes was my compass. Every fraction of a second saved, every pit stop refined, and every late-night change transformed the unthinkable into a reality. You all turned the car become an extension of me. I was merely the face, and you were the foundation.
To the racing community—the journalists, competitors, sponsors, and governing bodies—thank you for shaping the sport I hold dear. You challenged me to be better. You held up a mirror when I faltered and cheered when I soared. Formula 1 is a symphony of precision, courage, and innovation, and I was honored to play my part in its golden era.
Thank you to the racing community, including media, competitors, sponsors, and regulating bodies, for helping to shape the sport I love. You challenged me to do better. You held up a mirror when I faltered and rejoiced when I took off. Formula One is a symphony of accuracy, boldness, and creativity, and I was honored to participate in its golden age.
Finally, let the future generation know that excellence is not just achieved via speed, but also through dedication, honesty, and passion. It is forged through hard hours, invisible sacrifices, and a refusal to give up. If my tale teaches you anything, it’s that with enough belief, even the most outrageous dreams may come true.
Though I am no longer behind the wheel, my spirit lives on every track. I am present at every rising star, roaring engine, and fan cheer—with enormous appreciation and eternal pride.
Thank you for taking me on the ride of a lifetime.
With my whole heart,
Michael Schumacher