F1 Schumacher Appeals to Media
Ferrari's Michael Schumacher Speaks Out
seven time world champ expresses concern over chidlrens' privacy and reveals son not intestested in F1.
Michael Schumacher has appealed to the world’s media to let his children grow up in peace and away from the media spotlight.
The seven-time Formula One world champion, who retired from the sport in 2006, is now a test driver for Ferrari.
However, the 39-year-old German believes his children Gina Maria but in particular Nick should be able to enjoy their childhood despite having such a famous father.
“It is not his fault that he has a famous father. So I can only repeat what I have said before: Let our kids be kids and do not make headlines out of them,” he said on his new personal website http://www.michael-schumacher.de.
Arguably the most successful Formula One racing driver in the history of the sport, Schumacher revealed his young son has no burning ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“Corinna and I have always said that we would prefer if Nick did not want to become a racing driver, already his name would be a big burden for him,” he explained.
“So especially karting is not something we would encourage him to do. He also does not want to become a racing driver,” he confessed.
“Right now he tries out different kinds of sport like ice hockey or soccer because like any other kid he has the right to try things out. That is normal for kids, it is good for them and therefore we do not want to forbid that,” he said.
“When I was I kid I also liked to try out different things and he should be able to experience as much as possible.”
Whilst the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship is barely underway, Schumacher is already concentrating on helping Ferrari develop their car for 2009.
"I am very happy because if you only get the chance to sit in a Formula 1 car every now and then, it is even more fun to drive it,” he explained.
However, the record breaking driver still hankers for the thrill of speed an in order to satisfy his desires; he has taken to riding motorbikes.
"I am aware of the fact that riding a motorbike involves a certain risk, but so does driving a Formula 1 car. I try to minimize the risks but you can not eliminate them."
Schumacher, who now lives in Switzerland, competed in 250 F1 Grand Prix races, winning 91 and stepping up onto the podium a record 154 times.
Away from motor racing, Schumacher supports various charities including UNESCO, ICM and the FIA Foundation.
