Jeff Gordon admires Michael Schumacher, drawing a parallel between the Formula 1 champion and NBA legend Michael Jordan during 2011, while acknowledging the challenges of truly knowing such global icons without direct interaction. Gordon, known for his remarkable NASCAR career, spoke about Schumacher’s impact on motorsports and reflected on the German driver’s return to racing with Mercedes.
Gordon Reflects on Schumacher’s Comeback and Achievements
In 2011, as Michael Schumacher competed in his second season back in Formula 1 with Mercedes after coming out of retirement, Jeff Gordon described Schumacher’s standing in motorsports in terms comparable to Michael Jordan’s dominance in basketball. Although Schumacher was warmly welcomed following his 2006 retirement, he found it difficult to consistently outperform his Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg. Schumacher finished the 2010 season in ninth place and improved to eighth in 2011, but in both years, Rosberg secured a higher position in the standings.
Despite those challenging seasons, Schumacher made a notable impact by recording the highest number of overtakes in 2011, successfully making 116 passes during the 19-race season, a testament to his racing skills even when faced with tough qualifying results.
Gordon Shares His Perspective on Admiration for Racing Icons
During an interview with SB Nation, Jeff Gordon was asked about drivers he respected outside of NASCAR. The four-time Cup champion was direct in his response, highlighting his respect for Schumacher above all others at the time.
“I mean, I admired Michael Schumacher up until this year, but he’s been brought back to earth. Before, he was like Michael Jordan. I like Lewis Hamilton a lot, I think he’s really talented. The thing is, you usually can admire somebody from afar, but I like to always follow that up with meeting them and getting to know them and basing it off that. You don’t really get a chance to do that with guys from (Formula One),” he said.
Gordon’s comments reveal the perspective of a peer and competitor, noting how admiration can shift with the realities of performance and personal connection. The mention of Lewis Hamilton alongside Schumacher further emphasized his appreciation for world-class driving talent across different motorsports disciplines.
Career Milestones and Competitive Spirit in NASCAR
At the time of these remarks, Jeff Gordon was racing for Hendrick Motorsports and had recently celebrated his 85th career Cup win, outperforming his teammate Jimmie Johnson. Gordon concluded his storied career with 93 career wins before retiring from full-time competition in 2015. In comparison, Michael Schumacher closed the chapter on his legendary Formula 1 journey in 2012, following his stint with Mercedes.
Recollection of a Dramatic Darlington Victory
As NASCAR marked its 75th anniversary at Darlington Raceway, Gordon reflected on his 1997 Southern 500 triumph at the unique oval, recalling a tense finish against Jeff Burton. The final laps saw Gordon’s lead threatened after brushing the wall, almost allowing Burton to overtake for the win.
“I look at that and that actually makes me mad because I almost lost that race. He ran me down, and then I got in the wall. And then he really ran me down. One more lap and it would’ve been over,” he said via NASCAR.
The conclusion of that race highlighted Gordon’s composure and competitive edge under pressure. Burton and Gordon raced side-by-side in the closing laps, and as the intensity peaked, Burton tapped Gordon’s car. Ray Evernham, Gordon’s crew chief, urged an aggressive response if it happened again, but Gordon maintained control, defended his position, and clinched both the victory and the prestigious Winston Million bonus.
Legacy and Impact in Motorsports
Both Jeff Gordon and Michael Schumacher left indelible marks in their respective racing worlds, with their careers serving as benchmarks for excellence and determination. Gordon’s frank admiration for Schumacher, and his acknowledgment of the challenges in crossing paths with Formula 1 stars, reflect the universality—and limits—of respect among elite athletes. Their legacies continue to inspire a new generation, with figures like Lewis Hamilton elevating the standard even further.
