Netflix to Stream Doc on Formula 1’s Michael Schumacher

Schumacher, a documentary following the motorsport legend Michael Schumacher, is slated to premiere on Netflix on September 15.

The documentary offers a complex portrait of Schumacher as a person through exclusive interviews with his wife, Corinna Schumacher, and their two children, Gina and Mick. The doc also includes interviews with his past peers and opponents, as well as previously unreleased archive material.

Also featured in Schumacher are conversations with his father and his brother, Ralf. Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, David Coulthard, Willi Weber, Luca di Montezemolo, Piero Ferrari, Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm and more appear in the doc as well.

Schumacher, widely considered to be the best racing driver of all time, came from humble beginnings before rising to the top of Formula 1. Over the years, he picked up seven world championship titles and a total of 91 victories. The timing of the release commemorates Schumacher’s entry into Formula 1, 30 years ago.

Benjamin Seikel and Vanessa Nöcker from B|14 FILM were responsible for the production of Schumacher. Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker and Michael Wech directed the film. London-based Rocket Science is representing sales and distribution of the doc worldwide and facilitated the partnership with Netflix.

Kehm said: “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.”

Seikel said: “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.”

Nöcker added: “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 of EMEA TV licensing for Netflix, said: “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.”