Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, once expressed disapproval regarding the personal life choices of his former team boss, Alessandro Benetton. This interaction occurred more than three decades ago, during Schumacher’s tenure with the Benetton Formula team.
Alessandro Benetton, who served as Chairman of Benetton Formula from 1988 to 1998, recounted an instance where Schumacher rebuked him for changing girlfriends. Benetton was dating freely at the time, a lifestyle Schumacher did not endorse.
Schumacher’s reaction, described as direct but not arrogant, highlighted his disciplined approach to life. Benetton noted that order, discipline, and consistency in choices were significant principles for the German driver.
During this period, Schumacher had begun dating Corinna Betsch, whom he would later marry in August 1995. Their relationship commenced in the early 1990s.
Corinna had previously been in a relationship with fellow racing driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Michael and Corinna’s wedding took place in Germany.
The Benetton Formula team, originally Toleman, was acquired by the Benetton family in late 1985 and rebranded in 1986. Alessandro Benetton became the youngest chairman in F1 history at 24.
Schumacher joined Benetton in 1991 after a single Grand Prix appearance for Jordan. He secured his first two World Drivers’ Championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995.
The team achieved 27 Grand Prix victories, two Drivers’ World Championships, and one Constructors’ World Championship under Alessandro Benetton’s leadership.
Following his success with Benetton, Schumacher moved to Ferrari for the 1996 season. He went on to win five consecutive world titles with the Italian team.
Michael Schumacher’s career concluded with seven World Championships, a record later equaled by Lewis Hamilton. He retired from Formula 1 for the second time at the end of the 2012 season.
In December 2013, Schumacher suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps. He was placed in an induced coma for six months.
He was transferred to a hospital in Lausanne for rehabilitation in June 2014, returning home in September 2014. His health status has remained private since the accident.
Corinna Schumacher has maintained her role as his primary carer, supported by a dedicated medical team. The family has consistently protected his privacy.
A new documentary, ‘Schumacher ’94: The Birth of a Legend’, is scheduled for global release on Netflix on October 2, 2026. Corinna Schumacher provides rare insights into their early relationship within the film.
That was our song back then. When I hear it today and I’m in the car, I cry to myself.
Corinna also shared that her mother initially disapproved of her relationship with Michael.
The Benetton team itself was eventually purchased by Renault in 2000, officially becoming the Renault F1 Team in 2002. The team’s operations continue from its Enstone base.
