Michael Schumacher and the legacy he’s left behind in the world of motorsport really do transcend the bounds of our beloved sport. What Schumacher achieved with Ferrari in the early 2000s is hard to fathom. That being said, while inspiring countless others in his F1 journey, he made a difference for another goliath of the sporting world.

We can rightfully rank Roger Federer among the biggest stars of the sporting world. That being said, the legacy that he’s left back isn’t one you can easily replicate. However, Federer looked up to the exploits of the great Michael Schumacher to trump his motivation to strive toward perfection.

On the Daily Show with Trevor Noah, the host asked the Swiss legend about his inspiration while growing up. To this, he replied, “When I was growing up, I had Michael Schumacher that I would look up to who was at the top for so long.”

“And I always thought, ‘It’s impossible to do that’, you know, to stay at the top for so long and have that drive.”  

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There are millions out there that, just like Federer, idolized the former Ferrari star. But who was that one man whose mere mention almost brought the 7x Champion down to tears?

Michael Schumacher mourned his F1 hero in his own moment of triumph

Michael Schumacher was the man in Formula 1. None ever even came close to rivaling his hold on the Championship. Even though many idolized Schumacher, including men inside the F1 paddock, he still couldn’t hold himself back when he matched a record set by his personal Formula 1 god.

After he won the 2000 Italian Grand Prix, a journalist asked him, “I’m not sure that you’re aware but this is your 41st victory which puts you equal second all-time with Ayrton Senna. Does this record mean a lot to you?” Schumacher somberly replied, “Yes, it does mean a lot to me… sorry.”

The then 2x Champion proceeded to sob inconsolably, only to be cajoled by reigning world champion, Mika Hakkinen.

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Lewis Hamilton now has as many world championships as Michael Schumacher. But has the Brit been able to depose Schumacher as the greatest Formula 1 driver ever?