Michael Schumacher has been awarded an FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport in recognition of his contribution to Formula One racing. The seven-time world champion, who retired at the end of this season, picked up the honour at the FIA’s annual awards ceremony in Monaco on Friday evening.
The medal, which was the final presentation on stage in the Salle des Etoiles at the Monaco Sporting Club, is awarded to an individual that, either through exceptional success, or outstanding effort, has made a substantial contribution to motor racing. It was presented to Schumacher by FIA President Max Mosley and Formula One Management President Bernie Ecclestone.
“I have received a huge amount of joy and pleasure from motor sport,” said Schumacher as he collected his award. “To all of you and all of the people everywhere I really want to express my thanks. I have had such a love for this sport, it doesn’t need motivation. You do it as good as you can and luckily I have a lot of great people around me who have allowed me to achieve what we have achieved together.”
Handing over the medal to Schumacher, Max Mosley said: “It’s a career that has never been equalled in the past and probably never will be in the future. In addition to his extraordinary achievements on the track I have to say Michael has helped us enormously with all sorts of work on road safety all over the world.”
Bernie Ecclestone added: “All sports need a superstar and Michael is a superstar. Michael’s achievements speak for themselves so I don’t really need to say anything more about them. But what they don’t say is what a lovely guy Michael is and he is supported by a really lovely family. He’s a lucky guy and I wish him all the best in the future.”
Schumacher may have retired from Formula One racing, but he will not be severing his connections with the sport. He will continue to work for Ferrari in a consulting role, the exact nature of which is still to be defined.
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