Michael Schumacher is a racing driver.
The Formula One World Drivers ' Championship ( WDC ) is awarded by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA ) to the most successful Formula One racing car driver over a season , as determined by a points system based on Grand Prix results . Michael Schumacher ( [ ˈmɪçaʔɛl ˈʃuːmaxɐ ] ; born 3 January 1969 ) is a German retired racing driver . He is a seven-time Formula One World Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time . Establishing himself as a top driver , finishing third in 1992 and fourth in 1993 , Schumacher became the first German World Drivers ' Champion in 1994 by one point over Damon Hill .