Michael Schumacher is a name many are familiar with and this is regardless if you aren’t or more especially are an avid Formula 1 fan. He is by far one of the best racing drivers of all time who dominated the sport with Ferrari for many years without fail – winning seven world championship titles and a total of 91 victories in the process. News dropped today that Netflix are set to air a documentary, titled SCHUMACHER, that traces his path from the Kerpen gravel pit to global superstar.
The documentary, set to exclusively hit a Netflix screen near you from September 15, does not only portray his incomparable career, though. What we’ll see are rare interviews, never-before-seen archive material and the support of his family, and the many facets of his multi-layered personality.
Sabine Kehm: “Michael Schumacher has redefined the professional image of a racing driver and has set new standards. In his quest for perfection, he spared neither himself nor his team, driving them to the greatest successes. 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.”
In addition to his father and his brother Ralf, Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his two children Gina and Mick, now a Formula 1 driver himself, speak openly for the first time, as do his closest peers and competitors. Among them are Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, David Coulthard, Willi Weber, Luca di Montezemolo, Piero Ferrari, his manager Sabine Kehm, and many more.
Benjamin Seikel, Producer: “The documentary was a big challenge and needed a lot of time and sensitivity, considering the pressure that was put on the production from the outside. But thanks to a great team and a really great collaboration with the family, we didn’t let ourselves get rattled. We’re grateful that it’s finally getting underway and excited about its global release on Netflix. The film was always intended to be an international documentary and we’re confident it will be embraced as such.”
The timing of the release commemorates Schumacher’s entry into Formula 1 which he accomplished, almost to the day, 30 years ago.
Vanessa Nöcker, producer and director: “The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family. 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.”
Kai Finke, Director, EMEA TV Licensing Netflix: “This deeply personal portrait of Michael Schumacher will inspire and touch his fans that followed his career, and introduce this iconic personality to our members worldwide who may not be familiar with the star’s huge Formula 1 accolades. We would especially like to thank Rocket Science, the producers, and Michael Schumacher’s family for their great trust.”
No doubt it’s a must see and one to add to your viewing schedule, we’ll be doing the same on our end. SCHUMACHER is all set for September 15 on Netflix.
