Thirty years ago, Michael Schumacher’s arrival helped transform a struggling Ferrari into a dominant force in Formula 1. Those involved share their insights on how the German breathed new life into the Italian powerhouse between 1996 and 2006.
In the contemporary, modern headquarters of tyre supplier Pirelli, Luca Colajanni holds court in the Formula 1 paddock. A quarter of a century ago, during Schumacher’s time, 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 the time is clearly visible. “That’s why I share this photo once a year, of Michael and me, together in the Ferrari era.”
The now 57-year-old ‘Schumi’ may have long since disappeared from Formula 1, but he will always remain 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 connection with him than others.
The fact that Schumacher has lived in anonymity since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, and no one knows – or tells – exactly how he is doing, on the one hand increases the sympathy for him. And on the other hand, it enhances the mystique 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; that’s what he’s always been,” says Colajanni.
Influence
The Italian is not the only one who speaks warmly. Andrea Stella and Mattia Binotto, for example, have also done (and continue to do) so more than once. The team boss of McLaren and the CEO of Sauber, respectively, and the Audi F1 project, also know all too well what it’s like to work with Schumacher. They were there at the time, just like Colajanni. Like so many others who still roam the paddock. They saw up close the influence the German had on the famous racing team. “And how he, as a driver and as a person, brought about a revival and success. It was very special to witness.”
Michael Schumacher’s Impact on Ferrari
Luca Colajanni, who worked at Ferrari before the turn of the century and became the head of the communications department in 2000, has a deep understanding of Michael Schumacher’s influence on the team. Along with Stefano Domenicali and Mattia Binotto, Colajanni had numerous interactions with ‘Schumi’. The trio can vividly recount how Schumacher single-handedly transformed Ferrari in the late 90s and early 2000s, or as Colajanni puts it, breathed new life into the team.
According to Colajanni, two words characterize Michael Schumacher: “Leadership and commitment.” These qualities were evident in Maranello when the German driver began to make his mark on the ‘Scuderia’ upon his arrival in 1996. “During the years I worked with him, I saw how he dedicated himself to making the team successful. His level of commitment was unparalleled,” Colajanni recalls.
Schumacher: More Than an Ordinary Driver
For Binotto, who was then responsible for the engine department as an engineer, Schumacher was no ordinary driver. He has repeatedly emphasized this in various media, reinforcing the strength of the message: “Michael brought something special to Ferrari, not only in terms of on-track performance but also in terms of work ethic and mentality. He made us work not only harder but smarter.”
Determination and Leadership
Andrea Stella, who later became the head of the racing department and worked closely with Schumacher, uses similar words to describe the German. The current team boss of McLaren refers to the seven-time world champion as a born leader during his time at Ferrari: “His determination was infectious. He inspired everyone to consistently bring out their best.”
Schumacher’s influence extended beyond that of many other drivers. He ensured progress in various areas within Ferrari, including outside the car. Schumacher was heavily involved in the development of the car. “Michael had a keen eye for detail,” Stella previously admitted in the Beyond the Grid podcast. “Michael’s ability to translate his feedback into practical improvements was incredibly significant.”
Binotto also confirms the German’s involvement: “It was Michael’s way of thinking, his drive to win… These are examples of a mentality and an attitude with which he single-handedly elevated the entire team to a higher level at that time.”
Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F1, 1998. Photo: Archive Peter van Egmond
Since his move to Ferrari, where he raced from 1996 to 2006, Schumacher introduced unique methods. He celebrated five of his seven championships with the team and became an icon with a distinct approach, focusing more on teamwork than many outsiders realized. This ranged from daily briefings with mechanics and feedback sessions after each run to full involvement in tuning the car; practices that are now standard within a Formula 1 team.
Binotto: “Many of the habits we take for granted in our sport started in the Schumacher years.” Stella confirmed this in a conversation with Autosport. “His influence is felt in the DNA of Formula 1. How we plan, how we analyze, how we work — it all started with him.”
But there’s more: Schumacher, as a person, brought out the best in Ferrari’s employees. Speed and improvement, result and success; it was not only in the technical or sporting approach of the team, but also in the human aspect.
Colajanni recalls, for example, how different Schumacher was from his public image. “Many people thought he was a cold or ‘cold’ German. But within the team, he was very approachable and a warm person. Especially with Jean Todt (team boss at the time), he built a beautiful relationship in which they always protected each other.”
What if Schumacher had raced in this era? “I think he would not feel at home in the world of social media and constant cameras,” suggests Colajanni. “Michael had an aura of focus and privacy. He would never have become a driver who entertains people with filters or crazy videos.”
Schumacher would probably have been too sober for that. This trait also kept the passionate Italians grounded. According to them, the German driver knew exactly how and when to lead people and had a natural authority. “Michael could enter a room and without saying anything, you felt his presence,” says Colajanni. “That’s what I call charisma.”
Empathy
The balance between business and empathy made Michael Schumacher unique. He could be strict when necessary, but also protective and loyal. Colajanni: “I remember a time when I disagreed with Jean Todt. Michael helped me convince Jean. He said, ‘Jean, he’s saying this because it helps us. Let him try’.”
That support went beyond the professional. “Sabine Kehm, his spokesperson, also became my colleague and friend. Michael created harmony — something that is rare in the hustle and bustle of Formula 1,” says Colajanni.
The Bond Between Schumacher and Ferrari
The relationship between Schumacher and Ferrari was more than just sporting. Binotto recalls the German’s humility after winning titles. “He would always come to us, thank the mechanics, the engineers. He understood that Formula 1 is a team sport.” Stella once referred to it in motorsport as a ‘total package’: speed, insight, humility. “He changed the way the team functioned. He set the bar so high that everyone automatically followed his rhythm.”
And the Italians, the Ferrari fans? According to Colajanni, they saw it too. They will forever be grateful to Schumacher for the way he brought renewed success to the most famous Formula 1 stable in the world in the late 90s and early 2000s. “If I ask people on the street in Italy what they think of Schumacher, they say: ‘He is the man who made Ferrari win again’.”
Schumacher’s Condition Since His 2013 Accident
Since his accident in 2013, there has been little news about Schumacher’s condition. “His accident and its consequences; it’s still so sad,” says Colajanni. “But I have great respect for his family’s decision to protect his privacy.” The fact that Schumacher still has such a prominent presence out of the spotlight speaks volumes about his legend. “His name comes up in the paddock every day. He remains an example,” says Colajanni. “Even young engineers who never worked with him speak of him with respect. Inside and outside Ferrari, Michael is an eternal phenomenon.”
Old Comrades:
- Luca Colajanni was already working at Ferrari before 2000, but became head of communications for the Formula 1 team that year. In this role, he was responsible for press relations, media contacts, and managing Ferrari’s public image during the team’s most successful period. He worked closely with Sabine Kehm, Michael Schumacher’s spokesperson. Colajanni played a key role in coordinating communication between the team, driver, and media.
- Mattia Binotto joined Ferrari in 1995, just before Michael Schumacher’s arrival. He worked in the engine department as an engineer, where he was involved in the development and optimization of the V10 engines that made Ferrari’s dominance in the early 2000s possible.
- Andrea Stella joined Ferrari at the beginning of this century as a performance engineer. He worked directly with Michael Schumacher as a race engineer and was responsible for analyzing data, tuning the car, and translating Schumacher’s feedback into technical improvements. Stella was known for his analytical ability and his ability to translate Schumacher’s technical input into concrete adjustments.
Michael Schumacher & Ferrari in Numbers
Period: 1996-2006
World titles: 5 (2000-2004)
Number of races: 180
First places: 72
Second places: 43
Third places: 19
Retirements: 31
Pole positions: 58
