Michael Schumacher is one of just two seven-time F1 world champions (Image: Getty)
Michael Schumacher should be stripped of his 1994 Championship, according to close friend, Roger Benoit. The 56-year-old former Jordan, Benetton, and driver is one of just two seven-time world champions in the sport – alongside British sensation, .
However, Benoit believes that the German should be stripped of his 1994 title that he won with Benetton due to the controversy surrounding it. was one-point ahead of Damon Hill in the championship standings headed into the final event of the year in Australia, where he famously lost control of his car in the 36th lap, clashing with Hill as he tried to overtake. Hill was subsequently ruled out of contention for the race due to his car being too damaged to go on, leaving Schumacher to clinch his first world title.
And it is this reason that Benoit believes that Schumacher should be stripped of his maiden trophy in the big leagues. When asked by where he believes Schumacher ranks among the all-time F1 greats, Benoit explained: “As a six-time world champion, he definitely belongs in the top five.”
When quizzed on his “six-time” jab, he responded: “Of course, I know that he was world champion seven times. But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill.”
One of the most contentious seasons in the sport’s history, if Benoit’s belief came to fruition, it would leave Hamilton as the sole seven-time world champion. The 40-year-old, who made the switch from to for the 2025 season, already has more pole positions, podiums and race wins to his name than anyone else in history, but an eighth-title is the only thing between him being ‘considered one of the greats’ and the ‘greatest of all time’.
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A veteran journalist, Benoit has known Schumacher since 1991 – with Schumacher gifting his friend his iconic sweater sporting the Marlboro logo on its sleeves and his yellow Benetton overalls which he won his first F1 race in back in 1992. However, the two once had a massive falling out – with Benoit’s criticism about Schumacher’s move to in 2010 leaving the two not speaking for some time.
The two did reconcile their relationship at the 2011 however, with Benoit telling media that Schumacher approached him and told him to forget about their differences and start over. As per , Benoit said: “I was also critical of his comeback in 2010 and he didn’t talk to me anymore.
“Then at Suzuka in 2011 I was smoking a cigar in a small path next to the paddock and Schumacher walked past me. After two meters, he stopped, came back, hit my knee with his hand and said, ‘Let’s forget everything and start from the beginning’.”
Schumacher has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in December 2013 which saw him suffer severe brain injuries, with his family being incredibly protective on his privacy since. And while little is known about the iconic driver’s condition and life since, former team principal Jean Todt frequently.
Speaking to Italian publication, La Repubblica, Todt said: “I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.”