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Germany's Michael Schumacher begins his Grand Prix career for the newly-formed Jordan team in 1991

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His performances cause a stir on the F1 circuit and it's not long before Benetton snatch the young star from under Eddie Jordan's nose

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Schumacher comes into his own in the 1994 season, which is tinged with tragedy and controversy after Ayrton Senna's death

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Schumacher is in brilliant form during the 1994 season and narrowly wins his first ever Formula One drivers' championship

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In 1995 Schumacher delights the Benetton team as he retains his title finishing ahead of Britain's Damon Hill in the Williams

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Schumacher is unable to resist the lure of Ferrari and signs for the F1 giants in 1996, but his first season is blighted by reliability problems

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Canada's Jacques Villeneuve provides stiff competition for Schumacher, who again mounts a title challenge as Ferrari up their efforts in 1997

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The FIA strip Schumacher of his second place after a controversial clash with Villeneuve at the Spanish Grand Prix

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Schumacher's attempt to win the 1999 title is brought to an end when he breaks his leg in a crash at the British Grand Prix

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After a couple of lean years Ferrari produce a superb car and Schumacher helps them land the 2000 and 2001 constructors' and drivers' championships

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Ferrari make it a hat-trick in 2002 but their team orders cause controversy as Schumacher strolls to a fifth world title

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Despite rule changes introduced in 2003, Schumacher wins another six Grand Prix and claims a record sixth world title