New Netflix Documentary on 'Multi-layered' Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher during his days at Ferrari. Image credit: Reuters
Michael Schumacher during his days at Ferrari. Image credit: Reuters
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New Netflix Documentary on 'Multi-layered' Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher during his days at Ferrari. Image credit: Reuters
Michael Schumacher during his days at Ferrari. Image credit: Reuters

Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is the subject of a new Netflix documentary to be released on September 15, the platform announced on Friday.

The film titled "Schumacher" retraces the life and career of the German driver, who has not been seen in public since a serious skiing accident in 2013, and promises unseen archive material that shows the "many facets of his multi-layered personality".

The portrait of the racing legend, now 52, is "the only film supported by his family", the platform said in a press release.

Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm describes the film as the "family's gift to their beloved husband and father".

The documentary features exclusive interviews with his wife Corinna, his two children Gina and Mick, himself an F1 driver since this season, and brother Ralf, as well as those who worked with or raced against Schumacher, including Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Hakkinen, Damon Hill and David Coulthard.

Schumacher, who won 91 Grand Prix before retiring from Formula One in 2012, suffered a serious head injury on December 29, 2013 in the French Alps and his state of health remains secret.

"The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family," said Vanessa Nocker who directed the film along with Hanns-Bruno Kammertons and Michael Wech.

"Corinna Schumacher herself was our greatest support in this.

"She herself wanted to make an authentic film, to show Michael as he is, with all his ups and downs, without any sugarcoating.

"She was great and brave enough to let us do what we wanted, and so we respected and kept her boundaries. A very inspiring, warm woman who made a lasting impression on all of us."

It will be released 30 years after the German's first Grand Prix in Belgium in August 1991.



Bayer Leverkusen Misses Chances in a 0-0 with Stuttgart in Bundesliga

 Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel shouts to Stuttgart's Anrie Chase who defends the ball against Leverkusen's Victor Boniface during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel shouts to Stuttgart's Anrie Chase who defends the ball against Leverkusen's Victor Boniface during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
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Bayer Leverkusen Misses Chances in a 0-0 with Stuttgart in Bundesliga

 Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel shouts to Stuttgart's Anrie Chase who defends the ball against Leverkusen's Victor Boniface during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel shouts to Stuttgart's Anrie Chase who defends the ball against Leverkusen's Victor Boniface during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)

Bayer Leverkusen did everything except score against Stuttgart in a lively 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga on Friday ahead of Champions League games for both next week.

Leverkusen hit the woodwork twice, forced repeated saves from Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, and saw Jeremie Frimpong’s goal ruled out for offside in the buildup.

Leverkusen is third on the table but could end the weekend seven points off the lead if Bayern Munich or Leipzig win their games on Saturday.

Stuttgart had few clear chances against a Leverkusen defense which has made some costly blunders and conceded at least once in all of its previous Bundesliga games this season.

However, it was also the first game this season in which Leverkusen failed to score and fourth draw in its last six games in all competitions. The closest Leverkusen came to scoring was when Victor Boniface blasted a shot against the post in the 53rd from a good position.

Missed chances are a recurring theme in a season where Xabi Alonso’s team has failed often to produce the kind of late winning goals that fueled its title win last season.

Leverkusen heads to Liverpool on Tuesday in the Champions League and Stuttgart hosts Atalanta on Wednesday.