Never meet your idols. Jaime Alguersuari, a former Formula 1 driver for Toro Rosso, thinks there is some truth in the saying. The Spaniard idolized Michael Schumacher as he watched the German conquer the world of F1 during his childhood. The Spaniard got a rare opportunity to race alongside his childhood hero as well after the German announced his return to the sport in 2010. However, this rare opportunity changed the then-19-year-old Alguersuari’s perspective toward his hero.

Alguersuari started his Formula 1 journey with Toro Rosso. Because of Schumacher’s relationship with Franz Tost, he got multiple opportunities to interact with him. In the two years of Alguersuari and Schumacher, soon after which the German suffered the horrific accident, the Spaniard’s perspective toward Schumacher changed. He revealed that in an exclusive interview with Daily Star.

“For me, Michael was like an idol and a hero,” Alguersuari revealed. “I saw some things from Michael that I wasn’t always a fan of,” he says. “But I understand he was something else as he took things super seriously and professionally. He had a very different and unique character. You lose a little bit of the hero-ness that you first have when you meet him.”

Michael Schumacher Benchmark Aimed by F1 Dynamo to Dominate the Sport Like the 7X Champion Did

Despite the changed perspective, the Spaniard still appreciated the little time he spent with his idol and even got an important piece of advice from him.

Jaime Alguersuari also the important piece of advice he got from Michael Schumacher

Racing alongside a driver on the same track changes a driver’s perspective towards another. However, off the track, Alguersuari still had massive respect for the German. He even remembers the time he kept the great Michael Schumacher behind him for 55 laps. Apart from that, the Spaniard still remembers an important piece of advice he got from his idol.

“Talking with him in 2010 from pre-season testing and the way he trained, it was very interesting,” Alguersuari adds. “He had a very good relationship with Franz Tost, so we got to spend some time together. He gave me one piece of advice off the track. He told me to as listen to as many people as I could, and to absorb what I found interesting.” 

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

WATCH THIS STORY: Why Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello Wore Red Wigs in 2000

Despite the change in outlook toward his hero, there was still plenty of respect for Schumacher, which has still not changed. So meet your idols but at your own risk.