Michael Schumacher frequently defied F1 rivals with audacious strategies during his time at Ferrari. One of his most iconic masterstrokes occurred at the 1998 Hungarian Grand Prix, where a seemingly absurd plan crushed McLaren's dominance.
Why it matters:
Ferrari faced a daunting challenge at the Hungaroring in 1998. Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard's McLarens had secured a comfortable front-row lockout in qualifying, indicating Schumacher was likely headed for a distant third place in the race. Ferrari desperately needed a game-changer.
The audacious strategy:
Ferrari's strategy guru, Ross Brawn, devised a bold three-stop plan. The catch: it required Schumacher to deliver an extraordinary performance.
- "Michael, you have 19 laps to pull out 25 seconds. We need 19 qualifying laps from you," Brawn famously told him.
- The initial plan was kept under wraps to prevent McLaren from reacting too soon.
The race unfolds:
Schumacher's first pit stop on Lap 25 was routine. However, the true nature of Ferrari's strategy became evident by Lap 43 when Schumacher was fueled for only 6.8 seconds—far less than needed to finish the race.
- McLaren, particularly with Hakkinen, seemed to underestimate Schumacher's ability to gain the necessary 25 seconds within the given laps for the critical third stop.
- Hakkinen's subsequent long stop to brim his tanks resulted in handling issues, turning him into a mobile chicane that impeded teammate Coulthard for six crucial laps.
- Despite a brief off-track excursion, Schumacher maintained his blistering pace.
The iconic triumph:
On Lap 62, Schumacher made his final "splash and dash" pit stop. He rejoined comfortably in the lead, securing a legendary victory.
The big picture:
Though Schumacher lost the 1998 championship to Hakkinen, who finished a lapped sixth in Hungary, his performance remains one of F1's greatest drives, showcasing his unparalleled skill and strategic execution.