Michael Schumacher - best ever?

[Jimbo]

After his 70th career win in last night's U.S Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher only needs to finish 8th to wrap up his sixth F1 World Championship, and fourth in a row. This would topple Fangio's record from the 50s, and surely cement him as the greatest driver of all time. The only record left for him to chase now is Pole Positions, which he will probablyly break by the end of next year.

Given that it seemed unlikely that anyone would ever pass Alain Prosts's win record of 51, and Fangio's 5 titles, Schumacher's records will probably never be beaten. Does this make him history's most dominant sportsman?


For the record:

Starts:194
Wins: 70 (record)
Podiums: 122 (63%)
Pole Positions: 55 (9 short of Ayrton Senna's record of 65)
Points: 1028 (record)
Championships: 5 (soon to be a record 6)

 

[bucko]

Schumacher is, according to statistics probably the best ever formula 1 driver, but I don't believe he is the mose dominant sportsmen of all time. I don't think this award can be given in a sport like motor racing as there is always a chance of not finishing the race, and many outside factors such as the vehicle need to be taken into consideration. This does raise an interesting idea though of who is the most dominant sportsman or sportswoman ever??

 

[cheese]

Its a great question .........ive been scratching my brain for a few minutes, and its hard to argue with michael schumacher being right up near the top of the list of 'most dominant sportsmen'.........

I suppose it all comes down to longevity! And Schumie fits that catergory to a Tee!

I'd have to say that if Valentino Rossi was to stay in Moto Gp for a few more years, he could also set records that would have to be deemed unbreakable! .......in only his 3rd(4th?-sorry cant remember) year in the top flight he has already taken a few of Micks supposed unbreakable records...........and with him still being in his early 20's, one can only imagine the mark that he could leave on the sport!

.......a few others have would make my list

*Michael Jordon

*Kelly Slater - he was so far ahead of his time that it took about 5 years for the rest of the field to catch upto him

*Haile Gebrselassie - The little ethiopian who is arguably the greatest long distance athlete of all time

*Ian thorpe - not yet, but could be well on his way

*Roy Jones Jr

..........hmmm cant think of anymore at the moment .....i'll slap a few more up later if i think of any

 

[bucko]

You are definately correct about longevity. There are so many sports though to look at. For example, cricket. Several spring to mind, 2 of which are of course Don Bradman, just so far ahead of any batsman before or after him. And of course Dr WG Grace, he seemed to dominate the sport in the late 1880's both bowling and batting.

 

[hrundi99]

Jesus saves.

Gretzky scores on the rebound.


Not a shadow of doubt.

He's not called "The Great One" for nothing.

 

[hrundi99]

A vital factor in this challenge is to consider the competition, and frankly, Schumacher hasn't had a lot of competition in his era. If Senna hadn't died then maybe, but think of his other opposition.

Damon Hill? Mika Kakkinen? Coulthard?

Villenueve is the only one who could consistently beat him on his day, but driving a BAR for the last umpteen seasons has meant that his talent has largely been wasted.

Some of the new crop of drivers like Alonso, Montoya and Raikonnen may challenge, but the jury's still out on them.

 

[Tidus_Raider]

It's true he hasn't been challenged but if he sticks around for a couple more years I think montoya is slowly creeping up on him.

 

[MR GEORGE]

if he gets one point today he will have six championships which no one has and that makes him the best ever.