Brawn: There is no one above Michael Schumacher

Brawn’s insights into their careers offer a unique perspective on their differences and achievements. The Englishman, now 70, partnered with Schumacher during Ferrari’s ‘Golden Era’ in the early 2000s, a period that delivered five consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Earlier, as Benetton’s technical director, Brawn had overseen Schumacher’s first two titles in 1994 and 1995.

Schumacher’s trust in Brawn was evident when he invited the Englishman to join him at Ferrari in 1996. Together, they secured a historic seven F1 Drivers’ Championships - a record equalled only by Hamilton.

In 2013, Brawn’s career intersected with Hamilton’s when the Briton joined Mercedes for his debut season with the team. Brawn, who had led Mercedes since its evolution from his 2009 F1 title-winning Brawn GP outfit, departed the team in 2014, just before its dominance began.

In an interview with Auto Hebdo, Brawn, now retired, reflected on his experiences with both drivers. Regarding Schumacher, Brawn was unequivocal: “An alliance and combination of people of this level, with such an exceptional driver as Michael, happens very rarely. Not more than once in a decade.”

Elaborating on Schumacher’s unique attributes, Brawn said: “You need talent, and his was enormous. The history of Formula 1 is full of drivers with a lot of talent, but who don't know how to put it into practice, and Michael knew that. There is no doubt that he had an exceptional physical condition, an enormous power of concentration and unparalleled commitment. He had all the necessary attributes and the intelligence to burn stages.”

Brawn also highlighted Schumacher’s relentless dedication: “Helping him to each of his seven F1 world championship titles was something exceptional for me. There is no one above Michael.”

While praising Hamilton’s abilities, Brawn pointed out their differing approaches. “I have worked with Lewis, who is another incredibly fast and talented driver, but with a different approach. He has the notoriety that is sought, the type of lifestyle that is led, taking the fast track, the opposite of the tranquillity that Michael sought.”

He went on to explain how Schumacher embodied a quieter and more methodical way of life: “There was the same commitment, talent and desire within him, just the approach was different.”

Brawn’s bond with Schumacher remains profound, with the former engineer among the few allowed to visit the German at his home in Switzerland following his skiing accident in 2013. Reflecting on Schumacher’s legacy, Brawn’s admiration is clear.

“Michael’s ability to blend talent with hard work and intelligence made him extraordinary. His dedication was unmatched, and he had an almost unique ability to take his skills and elevate them to the highest level,” Brawn concluded.

While the debate over Formula 1’s greatest driver will continue, Brawn’s reflections on the two legends he worked with offer a rare glimpse into the qualities that define greatness.