How Michael Schumacher Straightened Out the ‘Playboy’ Stereotype of F1 Drivers

Back in the seventies, F1 drivers were famous for notoriety. However, Michael Schumacher’s entrance into racing kind of changed it all, as he, alongside many, was rather ‘boring’. Michael Schumacher lived for the high speed and wasn’t of a ‘playboy’ like many others. His discipline and his ruthless attitude towards winning handed him seven world championships.

It comes as no surprise that drivers enjoy a rather lavish lifestyle. “Lavish Lifestyle” would be an understatement for those racing in the 70s and 80s. Being fans of girls, booze, helicopters, and magnificent homes, they all lived a very privileged lifestyle. James Hunt and Alain Prost were all the very representation of what being a “playboy” is all about.

Michael Schumacher ended the Playboy era

Michael Schumacher, however, is possibly the biggest reason that the playboy image suddenly shattered. Schumacher only spoke of what was needed and had a rather taciturn approach to things and interviews. He wasn’t necessarily the glittery or flamboyant F1 driver that everyone expected him to be. The most reckless thing that he’s known to do after a race is probably throw a fridge out of a window.

We knew Schumacher and many drivers in the late 90s and early 2000s to follow corporate orders. This resulted in fans finding their personalities rather boring and not very interesting.

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Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button, though, were a breath of fresh air, as they were a sight to sore eyes after a few drinks. Kimi, famously, projected his unbothered attitude and unwillingness to participate in PR throughout his driving career. He said what he said, did not think twice, and needed to be strapped to bed after drinking.

The Finn was a pleasure for racing fans. Moreover, Raikkonen proved to be a product of that seventies glamour and his own smoldering uniqueness. Button, on the other hand, after coming into F1, bought a Ferrari 355, moved to Monaco, and purchased a yacht. Seeing this, the team principals never took him seriously and thought he lacked commitment. Despite this, both men managed a world championship and proved to the world that they were worthy F1 drivers.

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Amidst all the speed and thrill, F1 has really evolved as a sport, and we’re happy to see where the sport has reached today.