Formula 1 legend and 7-time world champion has been praised by many for all his achievements, character and influence in the motorsport world. But there is one biggest black mark in his life for which even his close friends couldnt forgive him. In Formula 1 disqualification occurs for many reasons like breaching the regulations, code of conduct, and not obeying the stewards. Etc. But Michael Schumacher was the only driver to get disqualified from the entire championship for deliberately attempting a murder during the race.
During the 1997 Formula 1 season when Michael was driving for Ferrari he was fighting against Williams driver Jacques Villeneuve for the world title. The German and the canadian went for the title decider race at Jerez. Whoever wins the race takes the world title with them. Michael hasn't won the title since the 1995 season, so he was desperate to win it for Ferrari. The qualifying was also a tie where Michael, Villeneuve and Frentzen set the same qualifying time of 1,21,072s.
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Michael's Infamous attempt
The race started and Schumacher was the fastest man and pulled away from his rivals. The Canadian's only chance to beat Michael was attacking after the pit stops and on lap 48 Jaques attacked Schumacher on turn 6 from the inside. Schumacher initially tried to defend his position but the canadian driver was coming hard at him.
At that time evil thoughts occupied his mind and Michael went to Ram the Williams car out of the race with intention. The stewards immediately found his deliberate attempt to crash with the Williams car and he was caught for his actions. He also got stuck in the gravel and was disqualified from the race.
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Attempted Murder
Villeneuve won the title and Michael Schumacher was hammered right and left for his actions and misconduct. He was allowed to keep his wins, Pole's and Points but was completely erased from the 1997 season. He was also ordered to undertake community service regarding FIA road safety projects. Schumacher apologised for his actions but the British, German and Italian media tore him apart and projected him as a murderer. His reputation as a racer fell to an all-time low and it took many years for him to earn them back.
A German citizen from Frankfurt complained against Schumacher for trying to murder Villeneuve. He was investigated for murder charges according to German law and finally found there wasn't any criminal act committed and Schumacher escaped his home country's law and punishment.
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