Former Driver - Michael Schumacher's "Sensational" Racing May Have Seen Him Succeed Away From F1

Though Formula 1 and rallying are entirely different from each other, Michael Schumacher possessed the ability to excel in both.

Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer, who made 82 race starts from 1979 for seven years emphasized that F1 legend Michael Schumacher could have been a great rally driver, given his ability to "adapt to the changing conditions."

Schumacher is widely considered one of Formula 1's most successful racing drivers, as he was the first to secure seven world championship titles with teams Benetton and Ferrari. However, his life took a serious turn after his life-threatening accident while skiing in December 2013.

Since then, his life has been kept extremely private by his family, who currently look after him at his residence. But witnessing his other-worldly talent to handle a car in any condition from his racing days, Surer believed Schumacher would have "probably" succeeded greatly as a rally diver.

Expressing his views on the Formula1.de YouTube channel, Surer said that Schumacher was "able to adapt to [changing] conditions" on the track, which made him rally driver material. He stressed that though Formula 1 and rallying can't be compared, the former Ferrari driver might have been able to balance both disciplines efficiently. He added:

“Michael Schumacher was simply the specialist who perfected everything.

“But he was also someone, as we have seen, who could drive sensationally in the rain, for example.”

According to Surer, it's not just Schumacher; even three-time world champion Max Verstappen could excel as a rally driver. He highlights a crucial distinction between a Formula 1 car and a rally car, suggesting that a lower 'G limit' could facilitate the transition for F1 drivers into the world of rallying. He added:

“I do believe that Verstappen, who is a very special racing driver, would be good in a rally car.

“He could adapt more quickly because he would get off the centrifugal force. And he’s not afraid either. He probably wouldn’t be too interested in the trees.

“Formula 1 is a different playground. A rally car is relatively easy to drive. A pimped-up production car, if you like. They handle well, you can play with them.

“[In F1] we’re talking about 5g these days. To be able to react reflexively in a bend and not just hang in your seat and lean your head against something.

“But to be able to react? That’s another dimension. And also the speed when you’re travelling wheel to wheel at well over 300kmh.

“It’s easier to switch from 5g to a car that builds up maybe two – or at most 2.5g – of centrifugal force.”