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.



Argentines Flocking to Watch F1 Driver Colapinto at Brazilian GP

Williams's Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto speaks during a press conference at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, also known as Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 31, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix next November 3. (AFP)
Williams's Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto speaks during a press conference at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, also known as Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 31, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix next November 3. (AFP)
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Argentines Flocking to Watch F1 Driver Colapinto at Brazilian GP

Williams's Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto speaks during a press conference at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, also known as Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 31, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix next November 3. (AFP)
Williams's Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto speaks during a press conference at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, also known as Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 31, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix next November 3. (AFP)

Thanks to Franco Colapinto, Spanish can be heard all over the Brazilian Grand Prix.

That's because thousands of Argentines have flocked to Interlagos to cheer their newest sports star in Formula 1.

The charismatic Colapinto finished the Mexican GP last weekend in 12th position, out of the points positions. But the 21-year-old Williams driver has earned five points since the Italian GP on Sept. 1, which was five points more than his predecessor Logan Sargeant managed all year.

At least 10,000 Argentines have come to Sao Paulo, according to estimates by tourism agencies. That is one sixth of those expected to attend the Interlagos track this weekend.

Argentine supporters were already in the stands during Friday practice and sprint race qualifying, showing off the national colors on hats, flags and soccer T-shirts in hope of inspiring Colapinto, the only South American on the grid.

"Franco, 46 million Argentinians are with you," read one banner. "Be strong."

Most Argentines have fading memories of watching five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio (1950-58) or Carlos Reutemann (1972-82) win races. Gastón Mazzacane (2000-01) was the most recent Argentine to drive until Colapinto arrived, and he didn't score a point.

Fashion designer Anna Rosatti, 52, has come to her first F1 grand prix because of Colapinto, and childhood memories of celebrating Argentine success on TV.

"I used to watch Carlos Reutermann with my parents," she said. "Colapinto's story of fighting hard, falling and coming back reminds me of my childhood, of what it is to be Argentine." She was in the Interlagos paddock, carrying three national flags and wearing a cap celebrating Argentina's World Cup soccer title in 2022.

Brazilian fans such as Felipe Santos, 42, are also keen to see Colapinto do well at Interlagos.

"He is funny, but he is also a fighter. We love this here," Santos said. "This is not soccer, no Brazil vs. Argentina. It is racing, and anyone who likes racing likes his style."

Williams team principal James Vowles said on Friday he was speaking to other teams about finding a place for Colapinto next year.

"We are actively working with teams that are interested to try and find the right arrangement that helps Franco, that protects Franco as well, and protects all parties," Vowles said.

Later, in sprint race qualifying, Colapinto knocked out former F1 champion Fernando Alonso en route to 14th place, five behind his Williams teammate Alexander Albon. Still, Colapinto was happy about his prospects and the support of compatriots at Interlagos.

"It was just amazing to see all the support I received here, those travelling fans coming to the race and creating such a joyful atmosphere," Colapinto said. "It was a hard afternoon, but let's see what we can do tomorrow. There's a lot still to happen this weekend."