For more than a decade before he retired at the end of the 2006 season, Michael Schumacher embodied the nature and culture that is Formula One racing.
Today, in his absence, his replacement at Ferrari, Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen, and young McLaren sensation Lewis Hamilton seem to be hogging all the limelight.
It doesn’t matter to the seven-time world champion though, as he made a pit-stop in Dubai to launch the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue, one of three projects of leading German investment firm Alternative Capital Invest, which will be located in the Business Bay district of the city.
SPORT EXTRA: What does the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue mean to you?
SCHUMACHER: I’m proud to present this project because it is one thing to be successful in sport and something else to be successful in life.
What is your opinion on Dubai, you’ve visited quite often, haven’t you?
Yes, I’ve visited Dubai often. During my days as an F1 driver, I would spend a month here trying to prepare myself before the season could start. It’s always good to be here with the family on holidays and every time I come here, I see so many changes.
This place moves so fast, it’s simply incredible. It is difficult to recognise the city each time because everything here moves so quickly and Dubai has made so many things possible.
How is life treating you after retirement?
Life after retirement and all that competition has been good in terms of the number of activities I’ve been able to incorporate into my schedule.
I’m doing things I just couldn’t dream of doing before, like I can now pursue my passion for motorcycles and have a parachute licence so I can do more there as well.
I can’t just sit around twiddling my thumbs doing nothing. Post-retirement I’ve been able to concentrate and have more time for my business interests too.
You probably have more time to give UNESCO as well?
Well, now that I’ve retired from sport I’ve enough time to pinpoint certain projects I would like to be involved with. I’ve also been able to do more in the capacity of a UNESCO ambassador because I’m balancing things better. Life is all about balance. Striking a balance has always been important to me whether it be in sport or any other field.
Can you throw some light on your role with Ferrari?
I’ve a permanent role with the company and it has so far involved road-testing a few of their new cars.
