As of: February 2, 2024, 6:09 p.m
By: Luca Hartmann
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For a long time, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso were neck-and-neck in Formula 1.
Now the Spaniard has made a surprisingly clear statement about the rivalry.
Munich – It was one of the most exciting rivalries in the history of Formula 1: Michael Schumacher against Fernando Alonso.
For several seasons, the two world-class racing drivers fought for supremacy in the premier motorsport class and fought close races for several world championship titles.
Now Alonso has made a surprisingly clear statement about the rivalry on and off the track.
Alonso shoots against Schumacher: “He was very cold”
In the Spanish
DAZN
documentary “Fernando Revelado,” the 42-year-old said: “Michael was a tough guy on and off the track.
He was very cold, always kept his distance and always tried to intimidate.
He was a driver who was very difficult to have a conversation with.”
Accordingly, Schumacher would have continued the rivalry in the races off the track.
“When you came to breakfast, he always looked at you a little strangely.
“You knew there was a rivalry, but he took it at face value,” explains Alonso.
Due to the great competition, the two “often clashed”, but always treated each other “with respect”.
There were exciting duels in Formula 1: Fernando Alonso (left) and Michael Schumacher.
© IMAGO / HochZwei
Alonso was inspired by his Formula 1 rivalry with Schumacher
For Alonso, Schumacher was not only “the toughest rival I ever had”, but also an inspiration.
When the Spaniard made his Formula 1 debut in 2001, Schumacher had already won three world championship titles.
In Alonso's debut season, Schumi's Ferrari came fourth.
It's clear that Alonso, who was just 20 at the time, looked up to the German legend.
“A rival, a rivalry, but also an inspiration.
“You have to remember that every child needs a role model,” said Alonso.
He also admits that in the following years he consciously copied a lot of things from Schumacher in order to get to his level.
Fernando Alonso (left) and Michael Schumacher in Brazil in 2006.
© IMAGO / ExSpo
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Alonso raves about Formula 1 duels against Schumacher
“I started watching him, how he behaves, how he reacts, how he dresses, how he drives.
It's an inspiration that you make a mental note of, and suddenly you find yourself wheel to wheel with it, fighting every Sunday.
It was something very special,” enthuses Alonso.
In the first few years of his career, Alonso had to watch as Schumi was able to expand his collection of World Cup titles to a total of seven, but then the Spaniard's hour came.
In 2005, Alonso won his first world title and relegated Schumacher to third place after five titles in a row.
In 2006, both fought an even closer race for the World Cup crown, with Alonso narrowly winning by 13 points.
Alonso is now the longest-serving driver in Formula 1 and is also seen as Lewis Hamilton's successor at Mercedes.
Schumacher's son Mick is also hoping for the cockpit of the Silver Arrows.
(LuHa)