Despite his imminent retirement, it was business as usual for Michael Schumacher as he took the 91st victory of his career in the Chinese Grand Prix.
On his final appearance in Shanghai, Schumacher was able to amend his record on this circuit, which was easily the worst of all the tracks he has raced on in F1. Prior to this year, he had started both previous Chinese races from the pitlane, never scored a point, and never ran higher than sixth at any time.
Michael Schumacher (Ferrari 248 F1) © LAT |
The Chinese GP is the 22nd different event that has been won by Schumacher at some time in his career, which leaves Turkey as the only active event in which has not taken victory. He also never won the South African, Mexican and Luxembourg GPs.
If Schumacher is to win this year's championship, it is unlikely to happen at Suzuka as it would take a win, with Alonso failing to score. So failing such a radical scenario, the title would go to a last-round decider, and if Schumacher should clinch at Interlagos, he would be the first man in nearly 50 years to win a title in his last ever race. Mike Hawthorn remains the last person to do such a thing, ironically for Ferrari, at the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix.