Michael Schumacher's Unforgettable Bar Interview with Jeremy Clarkson

Former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman recounts a memorable 1999 interview between Jeremy Clarkson and seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher. During the filming of 'The Science of Speed' for the BBC, Schumacher, testing in Mugello before his championship win, enjoyed a rare moment of anonymity and peace in a private bar, leading to a candid conversation and a lasting impression on the crew.

Why it matters:

Michael Schumacher, an F1 legend, was notoriously private due to his immense fame. This rare glimpse into his personal side, away from the constant spotlight and fan frenzy, highlights the human aspect of a global superstar. It also underscores his integrity in ensuring the interview footage was released, demonstrating his respect for the journalistic process even when it touched on sensitive topics like his rivalry with Jacques Villeneuve.

The Details:

• The Setting: In 1999, Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman interviewed Schumacher in Maranello for a BBC series, The Science of Speed. Schumacher was testing at Mugello the week before his eventual championship win with Ferrari.
• Unexpected Costs: The crew faced a last-minute additional fee to film at the track because a young Kimi Räikkönen was also testing for Sauber, an unexpected detail.
• The Bar Shutdown: Wilman convinced a hotel manager in Mugello to shut down the bar for the interview, initially without revealing Schumacher's presence. Upon learning Schumacher was a guest, the manager enthusiastically cleared the bar.
• Candid Conversation: Schumacher, enjoying the rare solitude, opened up about various topics, including:
  • Acknowledging Mika Häkkinen was often faster than him.
  • Discussing the infamous collision with Jacques Villeneuve.
• A Moment of Peace: After the interview, Schumacher extended his stay, enjoying a beer in the empty bar, explaining, "You've got to understand, in Italy, I can't go anywhere. I'm like the world's highest-paid traveling salesman. I have dinner in my room, ring my wife, and that's it. Now I can be in a bar."
• Bernie Ecclestone's Intervention: Initially, F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone tried to block the release of footage related to the Villeneuve incident, deeming it "old news."
• Schumacher's Integrity: Schumacher personally intervened, insisting the footage be released, stating, "No, I gave him the interview. I don't want to watch it again on telly to be honest, but I did give him the interview." He signed the necessary fax, ensuring the BBC could use the material.

Between the lines:

This anecdote provides a rare, intimate look at Michael Schumacher beyond his racing helmet. It reveals a man who, despite his immense success and public persona, yearned for simple, normal experiences, like enjoying a quiet drink in a bar. His insistence on allowing the footage to be used, even when it touched on controversial moments, showcases his commitment to his word and a sense of fairness, cementing the crew's admiration for him.

What's next:

The legacy of Michael Schumacher continues to resonate within F1. Stories like this one reinforce the human element behind the legend, offering fans deeper insights into the character of one of the sport's greatest drivers. Such personal accounts help preserve his memory, particularly in light of his current health condition, ensuring new generations understand the man behind the machine.