A new documentary about seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will be shown on Netflix from September.
Titled simply ‘Schumacher’, the film has been made with the full cooperation of Schumacher’s family and management and will be broadcast to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his arrival in F1.
As well as interviews with Schumacher’s former F1 team bosses and close rivals such as Mika Hakkinen and Damon Hill, it features Schumacher’s family – including children Gina and Haas F1 driver Mick – speaking openly about his life and career.
The Schumacher family has been careful to protect its privacy, particularly since the skiing accident that left Michael severely injured at the end of 2013.
The film’s producer and director Vanessa Nocker said the cooperation of Schumacher’s wife Corinna had been essential.
“The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family,” Nocker explained.
“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.”
Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm said the documentary would show elements of his family life that had never been seen before.
“In his quest for perfection, he spared neither himself nor his team, driving them to the greatest successes,” said Kehm.
“He is admired all over the world for his leadership qualities. He found the strength for this task and the balance to recharge at home, with his family, whom he loves idolatrously.
“In order to preserve his private sphere as a source of strength, he has always rigorously and consistently separated his private from his public life.
“This film tells of both worlds. It is his family’s gift to their beloved husband and father.”
The Schumacher documentary is released on September 15.
