Michael Schumacher: The Greatest Of His Generation

Just like another Michael in basketball, Michael Schumacher is not only considered by many to be the greatest of his sport in his generation but to be the greatest and most dominant Formula One driver in history. His record is undeniable, and his feats, legendary.

 Image source: ibtimes.co.uk

He started in karting, winning German championships before moving on to Formula Three. After which, he joined Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship. He made his debut in Formula One in 1991, joining the Benetton racing team. He quickly rose up the ranks and won his first Drivers’ Championship in 1994, over Damon Hill. He repeated that feat the following year. In 1996, he was acquired by Ferrari, wherein he won another five consecutive championships, from 2000 to 20004.

 Image source: masterherald.com

His driver records include most number of championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, and won races in a season. The last is a record he shares with his countryman, Sebastian Vettel, who equaled Schumacher’s feat nearly a decade later. In Formula One history, no other driver has been able to finish in the top three in every race of the season. He also has the most podium finishes. In fact, based on his stats, Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver in history.

He is also a two-time recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

Alexander Potoczak is a huge Formula One fan. For more on Formula One, follow this Facebook page.

Explaining the Addiction to Fast Cars

Addiction to something can easily be explained by the object’s ability to draw out some of the most interesting chemicals in the brain. That’s all there is to it most of the time. However, when it’s addiction to fast cars we’re talking about, there’s no denying that we’re facing an altogether different thing.

Science itself would attest that the dynamics of car addiction is no different from the dynamics observed in the use of illegal drugs. There are also chemicals at work in this. Let’s take a look at what really gets us hooked on fast cars.

Image source: popularycar.blogspot.com

Concentration: A high state of concentration cannot easily be shaken off once it gets you going. This is especially true when driving a fast car. The dangers on the road are so real that focus is pushed by the instinct to survive and the thrill of overcoming unexpected obstacles on the road.

Competition: The road not being exclusive for solo exhibition makes it an open playing field for other motorists. This is crucial to the road environment’s competitive vibe. Just anyone out there can rev on with his engine’s spiteful grumble at the stop light and signal a challenge without having to say a word.

Adrenaline: One of the most addictive substances on earth can be found in no less than the human brain. Driving fast cars initiates a fight or flight response. This is the ultimate natural high that most of us seem never to get enough of.

Image source: johnlesanche.com

When the racer fuses with the car and the craft of driving, time slows down as the world takes the form of a tunneling haze. If you’re hooked on that, it’s because you’re human, the kind who simply drives fast cars with a passion.

Alexander Potoczak here, and I am huge fan of fast cars. For more information on my fields of interest, please visit my page on Google+.