7. Michael Schumacher takes first title for Ferrari – 2000
For any Michael Schumacher or Ferrari fan, the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix will always be remembered for the day it came right.
After losing out in 1998 to Mika Hakkinen, and missing most of 1999 due to his leg-breaking shunt at the British Grand Prix, Schumacher arrived in Suzuka with a genuine chance of taking that first title for Ferrari with a race to go.
His rival for the race win, and the championship, was once again McLaren’s Mika Hakkinen. Both men lined up on the front row, but at the start, Hakkinen got the jump on his German rival and led the first stint of the race. Schumacher was unable to find a way past, but once the Finn pitted, he stayed out. He pumped in several fast lap times to ensure that he re-emerged onto the track ahead of Hakkinen after he made a pit stop of his own.
Schumacher controlled the rest of the race superbly to win by just under two seconds. It was the start of his dominating five year run, and the title that he later admitted meant the most to him. As he beat his steering wheel in joy after crossing the line, it was easy to see why.
