Ralf Schumacher

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born and raised in North Rhine-Westphalia, Schumacher is the younger brother of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, and the pair remain the only siblings to each win a Formula One Grand Prix. Schumacher began karting at the age of three and achieved early success before making the transition to automobile racing in the German Formula Three Championship and the Formula Nippon series. He first drove in Formula One with Jordan Grand Prix for the 1997 season. Schumacher moved to the Williams team in 1999, finishing sixth in the Drivers' Championship that year. He won his first Grand Prix in 2001, en-route to fourth place in the Drivers' Championship, and subsequently won five more races over the course of two years. Schumacher left Williams at the end of 2004 and joined Toyota Racing in 2005. His performance throughout 2006 and 2007 resulted in Schumacher leaving Formula One as a result of internal pressure. After leaving Formula One, Schumacher joined the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2008, achieving minor success, and retired from motorsport at the end of 2012 to enter a managerial role within DTM, mentoring young drivers. He is now a co-commentator for Sky Sport in Germany.

In Their Own Story

The 2001 San Marino Grand Prix saw Schumacher start third and lead every single lap to secure his maiden win. Later that season, at the Canadian Grand Prix, he crossed the line first with Michael Schumacher finishing second, creating a historic sibling one-two finish. These victories were part of a successful period where he won five more races over two years while driving for Williams. The 2001 European Grand Prix saw him take second place in France and fourth at the European Grand Prix before an engine failure in Britain ended his race.

Reader's Guide

Schumacher's Williams tenure spanned 1999 to 2004. In his debut 1999 season, he finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship with 35 points. He won his first Grand Prix in 2001 and subsequently won five more races over the course of two years. He left Williams at the end of 2004.

Did You Know?

• Schumacher won the Formula Nippon Series in 1996 on his first attempt, becoming the first rookie to clinch the championship.
• Schumacher's first Formula One podium was third place at the 1997 Argentine Grand Prix.
• Schumacher and his brother Michael remain the only siblings to each win a Formula One Grand Prix.