Thirty years ago, Michael Schumacher’s arrival helped transform a struggling Ferrari into a dominant force in Formula 1.
Luca Colajanni is currently based in the modern headquarters of tyre supplier Pirelli in the Formula 1 paddock. A quarter of a century ago, during Schumacher’s era, the Italian was the director of communications at Ferrari. “This,” he says today, pointing to his phone, “we didn’t have back then.” The PR boss of Formula 1’s tyre partner is referring to social media and its influence. “Michael would have hated it if he were still a driver today.”
He shakes his head. Then Colajanni produces a photo. “This one is special to me,” he says. The close bond and connection between the two at that time is clearly visible. “That’s why I share this photo every now and then, of Michael and me, together in the Ferrari era.”
Michael Schumacher: A Legend
Although the now 57-year-old ‘Schumi’ may have long since left Formula 1, he remains a legend and the seven-time world champion will never be forgotten. This is evident when you speak to people like Colajanni in the current paddock about the German, his influence on the sport, and especially on Ferrari. And yes, like every legend, there are people who have more and less affinity with him than others.
Since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, Michael Schumacher has lived in anonymity and no one knows – or tells – exactly how he is doing. On the one hand, this increases the sympathy for him. On the other hand, it enhances the mystical atmosphere that, according to those involved, has always somewhat surrounded his person and especially his private life. “But a good person, with a heart of gold; he has always been that,” says Colajanni.
