“A step down from F1”: Michael Schumacher Once Disrespected Indy 500 Drivers And Explained Why He Never Wanted To Race There

Michael Schumacher is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. The German driver won seven World Championships during his legendary career and, until 2020, was the driver with the most race wins in the sport’s history. He conquered F1 and went on to become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

However, as it turns out, Schumacher does not share the same passion for other racing ventures. During an interview back during his Ferrari days, Schumacher openly disrespected the Indy 500 series and called it a step down from F1. While F1 is the most popular form of motorsports, the IndyCar series is huge, too, especially in the United States of America.

Schumacher admitted that he does not feel like taking up the challenge of the Indy 500 for two reasons. He feels it is a step down from the glamour of F1 and also thinks it is unsafe. The former Benetton driver also insists he has nothing to prove, which explains his lack of motivation to race in the Indy Series.

Also read: McLaren Boss Reveals What Frustrates Him About Lando Norris

Michael Schumacher disrespects drivers in the Indy 500

There are several F1 drivers who have competed in the Indy 500 over the years, including notable figures like Fernando Alonso and Romain Grosjean. However, other drivers moving to Indy and succeeding there did not make Schumacher take up the challenge.

“Usually the people who cannot survive in Formula 1, they go to Indy,” Schumacher said. “People who are coming from Indy hardly survive in Formula 1.”

Schumacher’s stance on the Indy series was from an era when there was a huge wall between the two series. Today, more big names in the Indy circuit are getting their talents recognized by the big F1 teams. They feel that the talent these drivers possess can greatly help them in F1.

Colton Herta and Pat O’Ward are considered to be among the best racing talents in the world today. Both are huge stars in the Indy circuit and have been linked to getting F1 seats multiple times over the last few years.

Also read: Mercedes mocks Max Verstappen for the offense that cost him about $50,000