I'm close friends with Michael Schumacher but think he should be stripped of

Michael Schumacher is one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, with the German winning seven world titles during his illustrious career – but a close friend believes he should have one stripped

The legendary German driver, who shares the record of seven F1 world championships with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, secured his first title in contentious fashion. One point ahead of Damon Hill heading into the 1994 finale at the Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher lost control of his vehicle during the 36th lap, smashing into Hill and ruling him out of the running.

Benoit, addressing the ongoing debate about Schumacher’s place in the history of the sport with publication Blick, said in 2023: “As a six-time world champion, he definitely belongs in the top five.” The interviewer, surprised by Benoit’s reference to Schumacher as a “six-time” champion rather than seven-time, pressed on the matter – to which Benoit clarified: “Of course, I know that he was world champion seven times.

But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill.” If Benoit’s opinion came to fruition, it would secure Hamilton’s place as the undisputed GOAT of Formula 1, leaving him as the only racer to reach the pinnacle of seven world titles.

Entering the 2025 season after his high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari, 40-year-old Hamilton boasts an unmatched record of pole positions, podium finishes and Grand Prix victories. However, it’s an elusive eighth championship title that lies as the final hurdle in the shift from being simply ‘one of the greats’ to ‘the greatest of all time’.