Michael Schumacher has been paralyzed since before being old enough to drive.
Michael Schumacher ( [ ˈmɪçaʔɛl ˈʃuːmaxɐ ] ; born 3 January 1969 ) is a German retired racing driver . After beginning in karting , Schumacher won the German drivers ' championships in Formula König and Formula Three before joining Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship . Schumacher won five consecutive drivers ' titles from 2000 to 2004 .