A close source to Michael Schumacher disagrees with the claim made in the new Netflix documentary ‘Birth of a Legend’.
A friend and former teammate of Michael Schumacher has some different thoughts about a claim made in a new Netflix documentary about the seven-time world champion and Ayrton Senna.
The documentary, called ‘Schumacher ’94 – The Birth of a Legend,’ looks at the whole 1994 Formula 1 season when Schumacher won his first Drivers’ Championship with Benetton. That was also the year when the great Senna tragically died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix. Senna hit a concrete wall at a fast corner, and years later, an Italian court said the crash was caused by a steering failure on his Williams car.
The film talks about the rivalry that was growing between Schumacher and Senna before Senna’s death, as both were expected to compete for the championship, even though Senna’s team had a tough start.
However, Richard Hopkins, who worked as a mechanic at McLaren and became friends with Schumacher, thinks one part of the documentary isn’t quite right. The film shows Schumacher’s reaction to Senna’s death, saying Schumacher was very upset and that there was some feeling he might not be welcome at Senna’s funeral. But Hopkins believes Schumacher definitely would have been welcome.
Hopkins told SPORTbible, “Did Michael see Ayrton as a hero? Yes. Did he want to show he was better? Yes. It’s such a shame we never saw them fight for more seasons. Michael struggled with his feelings, but I don’t think there was any real dislike between them. The idea that he wouldn’t be welcome at the funeral just isn’t true.”
The documentary says, “Michael chose not to attend Ayrton’s funeral. Some drivers went, some didn’t. Maybe some thought he wouldn’t be welcome. But Michael’s choice not to go also shows how he handled his emotions. He’s very sensitive but had to protect himself. He didn’t want to show weakness.”
Hopkins added that Schumacher went through a tough time in 1994, with disqualifications, a two-race ban, and the shock of Senna’s accident — all while still new to Formula 1. “He won the championship and lots of races despite everything,” he said. “That season was definitely one worth making a documentary about.”
He also mentioned how things changed for everyone after the San Marino tragedy. “We all became more serious after that. Drivers used to think they were invincible, but San Marino proved otherwise. It was a turning point for Michael and the whole sport.”
In short, while the documentary shares a powerful story, Schumacher’s close friend believes some of the details about their relationship and that difficult year could be seen a bit differently.