1995 Youngest Double World Champion in F1 History

The first home victory of a German Formula 1 pilot. “This victory almost means as much to me as my world championship title“, said Micheal beaming with joy. “This feeling is indescribable. It is more like a dream, but on the other hand you do not dream something like that, I get goose-pimples, you have to cry, it is like being on cloud nine.”

Party all the time

A racing driver normally listens carefully to his car on the last final laps. He listens to every strange sound, everything that could be an indication of a malfunction. “But in Hockenheim I only heard the rejoicing of the fans and the numerous firecrackers. It was unbelievable!” So unbelievable, that he wanted to experience it again at his second home race at the Nürburgring in front of 100.000 fellow countrymen – even his rival Damon Hill, who did not finish the race, applauded when Michael overtook Jean Alesi and drove towards a victory.

A lot of victories could be celebrated in the season 1995; the first one at the season opener in Brazil. Michael overtook everybody except for David Coulthard who became second. But the new year started like the old one had ended: with discussions, reproaches and disqualifications. Benetton and Williams were accused of using irregular fuel with a different chemical composition. The disqualification was taken back later, the drivers could keep their points but the teams were fined and lost their points for the constructors’ championship.

Schumacher vs. Hill

In 1995 the old rivals continued to fight against each other, but the Briton had no chances to keep it open until the end. Michael won the third last race in Aida and therefore became the youngest two-time world champion in Formula 1 history. Michael accumulated 33 more points than second-placed Damon Hill. He did not finish the race four times, two times because of a collision with Hill who took them both out of the British Grand Prix and the Italian GP. Michael won nine of the 17 races and therefore beat Nigel Mansell’s record.

His victory at his most favourite circuit Spa-Francorchamps was one of his most impressing performances. Because of problems with the gearbox and bad weather Michael only qualified 16th. After 15 laps he had overtaken everybody and took the lead. He managed to stay on track because of his slicks. Hill, who was right behind him, on the other hand used wet tyres. “He did not agree with my style of driving, my line”, Michael smiles “but I thought it was good.”

A new challenge

Michael’s manager Willi Webber thought it was time for a change; because of the many conflicts about the legality of the B194, the relationship with Flavio Briattore, the team principal of Benetton, was not so good any more. Then the sensation at the end of the year: in 1996 a new challenge, a new adventure, a myth was waiting for the youngest two-time world champion – Ferrari.

Courtesy by motorsport-magazin.com