Why He's No. 35

Some will always complain that "Schumi" has assaulted other drivers on the track with questionable tactics, but there's no question that he's widely regarded as a regular Mr. Nice Guy off the track.

Unlike so many other public figures and athletes, Schumacher is a private individual. So while he may not be an open book, his wallet is often open for good causes. After one of his bodyguards was killed in Thailand during the 2004 tsunami, Schumacher donated $10 million to relief efforts. On a smaller scale, he plays soccer for charity as well as for fun, campaigns for road-safety awareness and is a special ambassador for UNESCO.

Back Stage

Just because Schumacher announced retirement from F1 driving, doesn't mean that his overall relationship with the marque and its racing program is finished. While interviewed at the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari team officials are hinting at Schumacher's future role as a technical advisor.

On the showbiz side of things, after lending his voice to the animated movie Cars in 2006, Schumacher's big-screen resume will extend a little further -- he has a part in Asterix at the Olympic Games, which is set for a 2008 release.

"It has been an exceptional -- really exceptional -- time, what motorsport in more than 30 years has given to me."

- Michael Schumacher

Forcaste

Professional athletes have an innate sense of timing in their sport. Ironically, too many pro figures have lousy timing when it comes to the shelf life of their own careers. Michael Schumacher stands as a rare exception. Having recently announced his Formula 1 retirement, his legacy is intact. While the 2006 season with Ferrari signaled the end of his dominance, Schumacher leaves the track as the most successful F1 driver of all time with just under eight world championships to his name -- the most recent achieved at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Prior to his decade with Ferrari, he successfully drove for Benetton-Ford from 1991 through 1995. His debut with the Jordan-Ford team earlier in 1991 at the Belgian Grand Prix showcased his talent in qualifying, an opportunity that came about after Jordan's Bertrand Gachot was incarcerated for assaulting a London cab driver.