In the 70th anniversary of the Formula One World Championship, F1 held a survey to find out the most influential person. As it turned out, 7-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher staved off most of the competition to win. The German maestro is officially the most influential person in the sport’s history, following a fan vote.

The Ferrari legend has stayed away from public spotlight ever since he suffered serious head injuries in a ski accident in 2013. However, he is still regarded as more influential than the likes of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The accolades and record books speak for themselves, as he still holds the record for the most titles and race wins. Admittedly, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of to take both records away from him.

During the early rounds of the tournament, Schumacher defeated Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio. He even found himself more influential than Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari.

An expert panel produced a 32-name shortlist of people associated with F1. All 32 names were divided into four categories, consisting of drivers, team bosses, technical innovators and game-changers.

According to the Formula One website, thousands of fans participated in the vote, but it deigned to divulge any details.

How did Michael Schumacher end up winning?

In the very first round itself, he beat Nika Lauda with a diffence of 56% to 44% votes. The next vote was a clash of the ages, between Ayrton Senna and Schumacher. However, the Ferrari legend just about manage to eke out a win with 52% votes compared to Senna’s 48%.

In the next round of votes, he beat Argentine legend Juan Manuel Fangio, with a thumping 72% to 28% vote count. The penultimate round was another close affair, however he defeated Enzo Ferrari with a final score of 54% to 46%. Finally, he handily defeated ex F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, 61% to 39%.