Michael Schumacher once openly expressed why he had no desire to compete in the IndyCar series, citing both the level of competition and the dangers associated with the American motorsport. His remarks came during an interview in 2002, when Schumacher was already a four-time Formula 1 world champion, with his fifth title just around the corner. At the time, driving for Ferrari, Schumacher was widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, especially after surpassing Ayrton Senna in key statistical categories.
During the CBS show 60 Minutes, Schumacher gave his candid views on IndyCar, making it clear that he had little interest in competing there. Right from the start, he asserted that IndyCar was simply not on the same level as Formula 1. Schumacher believed that the American series lacked the sophistication and challenge of F1, which he considered the pinnacle of motorsport. He felt that stepping down to a lesser series like IndyCar didn’t make sense, particularly for someone who had already achieved so much in F1.
In addition to his opinion on IndyCar’s status compared to F1, Schumacher was also concerned about the inherent risks in the American series. He pointed out that the extreme speeds at which the drivers raced, coupled with the dangerously close proximity to the walls on oval tracks, made IndyCar races perilous. Schumacher was particularly troubled by the fact that any crash at those speeds could have devastating consequences. He explained that, unlike in Formula 1, where significant advancements in safety were regularly made, IndyCar’s design left drivers exposed to more serious injuries, particularly to the lower body.
Schumacher highlighted the potential for catastrophic accidents, explaining that a chassis could only do so much to protect the driver in the event of a severe collision. He was especially concerned about leg injuries, which he felt were almost inevitable in certain types of crashes. Schumacher didn’t mince words about his feelings, stating, “First of all, it’s a step down from Formula 1 and second, it’s too dangerous. The speed you do, that close to the walls, if you have an accident. There is no way a chassis can survive a certain way of having a crash and that means your legs are going to be heavily damaged or even further. And I don’t see any point in that.”
This candid assessment from one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history offered a rare glimpse into why Schumacher never entertained the idea of racing in IndyCar. For him, the combination of lower competition and greater danger made the series unappealing. Unlike some drivers who make the switch between different forms of motorsport, Schumacher’s focus was firmly on Formula 1, and he never wavered from that commitment.
Schumacher also shared his thoughts on drivers who transition between Formula 1 and IndyCar. He made it clear that, in his view, the majority of drivers who move to IndyCar are those who struggle to find success in F1. He suggested that drivers who cannot compete at the highest level in Formula 1 often see IndyCar as a fallback option, a place where they might still carve out a career. However, Schumacher did acknowledge that the move isn’t always one-way. He pointed out that some IndyCar drivers do manage to transition to F1 and find success, although he implied that this was less common.
“I have nothing to prove there, I don’t see a challenge in it. Because usually, the people who cannot survive in Formula 1, they go to Indy. People who are coming from Indy partly survive in Formula 1,” Schumacher remarked during the 60 Minutes interview. His comments reflected his view that Formula 1, with its higher technical demands and stronger competition, was in a league of its own.
Schumacher’s career in motorsport further emphasized this distinction. Since his debut in F1 in 1992 with Benetton, he remained firmly within the realm of Formula 1 for two decades, racing until 2012. In that time, Schumacher built a legacy that included seven world championships, 91 race victories, and 155 podium finishes. Unlike other drivers who sometimes look to broaden their racing portfolio by competing in different motorsport series, Schumacher’s sole focus was Formula 1. He never showed interest in moving to series like IndyCar, NASCAR, or Rally, even though other F1 drivers occasionally ventured into those arenas.
His brother, Ralf Schumacher, on the other hand, followed a different path. After leaving F1 in 2007, Ralf went on to race in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), a German touring car championship. Ralf stayed in DTM for five years before retiring from racing altogether. Despite their shared talent, the two brothers took different approaches to their careers, with Michael remaining loyal to F1 until the very end, while Ralf explored other options once his F1 career was over.
Ultimately, Michael Schumacher’s remarks on IndyCar provide valuable insight into how he viewed the world of motorsport. For him, Formula 1 was not just the ultimate challenge, but also the safest choice, despite its own inherent risks. His decision to remain in F1 for his entire career, while avoiding other racing series, was a reflection of both his competitive drive and his understanding of the dangers involved in motorsport.
