The Most Controversial Formula 1 Grand Prix in History: Michael Schumacher Emerges Victorious Amidst Chaos as 14 Cars Withdraw from the Race, Sparking Heated Debates and Lasting Controversy
Michael Schumacher won the 2005 US Grand Prix which was incredibly controversial for reasons concerning tyres
Michael Schumacher’s legendary F1 career saw him win seven World Championships. But it was in a season in which he finished third that one of the most controversial moments in Formula One history occurred.
As it stands, Lewis Hamilton is the only other driver in F1 history to have as many championship wins as Schumacher.
Throughout his legendary career, the German driver secured 91 wins, which was the most for anyone in F1 before Hamilton broke the record in 2020.
Schumacher has had many iconic wins and close finishes which left fans amazed by his performances. However, the 2005 US Grand Prix was not a win even Schumacher spent too much time celebrating due to its controversial nature of the race.
Schumacher won the event – but he only had six other drivers to compete against him due to a huge boycott of the race that took place 20 years ago today (19 June).
Crossing the finishing line in 2005 (STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Why was the 2005 United States Grand Prix so controversial?
Two days before the race day, Schumacher’s brother Ralf Schumacher crashed in practice which flagged to the tyre manufacturers, Michelin, of an important detail.
The company had supplied tyres that could not withstand the high speed on turns.
They asked FIA for permission to provide another batch of tyres, which was refused citing rules set by the body.
Michelin also asked FIA to build a chicane, or series of turns, designed to slow down cars before the 13th turn where issues were being encountered.
This request was also denied and 14 cars across seven teams decided they were not going to race. The six cars that were on the grid used Bridgestone tyres and had no problems on the grid, hence their decision to continue racing.
20 years ago today, one of the most controversial ‘races’ in F1 history took place in Indianapolis as only six cars lined up on the grid for the US Grand Prix… Safety concerns with Michelin’s tyres caused seven teams to withdraw their cars after the formation lap, leading to
Who withdrew from the US Grand Prix?
US Grand Prix was the ninth race and a lot of excitement was building up among fans to see the drivers.
While Schumacher was the defending champion in 2004 with Ferrari, drivers like Fernando Alonso – the eventual 2005 champion – and Kimi Raikkonen were also exciting prospects.
Going into the US Grand Prix, both were leading the grid at the first and second position respectively.
However, after no agreement was reached between FIA and the teams, they decided to drop out of the race, leading to a win for Schumacher.
Only Ferrari, Minardi and Jordan were the team’s that participated in the race.
Schumacher after winning the US Grand Prix 2005 STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images
What happened after the tyres controversy?
Schumacher did not celebrate the win like his others.
There were no signature champagne celebrations as the crowd was not pleased with the outcome of the race.
Michelin’s image took a significant dip after the controversy and the company decided to provide compensation to all the race fans.
After 2006, Michelin’s tyres were no more used in F1 as Bridgestone became the official manufacturer.
