Michael Schumacher's Hometown Tragically Set To Be Demolished For Mine

Michael Schumacher's hometown is due to be demolished for a mine.

The town of Kerpen-Manheim, once the childhood home of the legendary Michael Schumacher, is now facing an uncertain future. With only a handful of residents left, it is a town that is facing demolition.

It is where Schumacher learned to race, honed his skills on the go-kart track, and started his journey towards becoming a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. It is also the place where he married his wife Corinna, in a picturesque church that still stands today.

But despite its storied past, the town is now a shadow of its former self. Overgrown roads, boarded-up houses, and abandoned buildings now dominate the landscape. The town is set to be demolished to make way for the Hambach open-cast mine with excavation work is set to begin in 2024.

The go-kart track where Schumacher learned to race will be preserved, as will the church where he married his wife. And Michael’s childhood home, lovingly restored by his brother Ralf, will also remain standing.

Kerpen-Manheim, the home town of Michael Schumacher and Ralf Schumacher, is to be demolished for mining. The mine is a source of lignite, regarded as one of the most polluting forms of ‘brown coal’.

The Schumacher founded Kerpen kart track will be spared from destruction. pic.twitter.com/MbuDEK9x6M

— Forza Alex 🏎🍉 (@FormulaRacer420) April 13, 2023

For Ralf, the preservation of the go-kart track and the family home is a way of keeping alive the memory of his brother’s incredible achievements. It is also a way of ensuring that the town’s proud history is not forgotten. Ralf explained to Auto Bild:

“I grew up with lots of animals. Of course, that leaves its mark. And since, thanks to the Greens [political party], my entire hometown didn’t fall victim to lignite mining after all.

“I took the opportunity to restore my childhood home to the way it used to be. A farm with lots of animals. Fortunately, due to the new plans, the go-kart track is still there.”