Sports documentaries are coming thick and fast with Netflix among the streaming platforms leading the charge.

Advertisement

The Last Dance, which took a whole new generation of sports fans through the life and career of NBA superstar Michael Jordan, became a COVID lockdown sensation in 2020 while Formula 1: Drive to Survive is currently filming its fourth season after attracting a huge audience in its three years to date.

Building on the success of both documentaries, Netflix have turned their attention to the story of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher.

The seven-time World Champion is the subject of a brand new documentary coming to Netflix very soon. He is one of the most successful drivers of all time, but has been out of the public eye since suffering a life-threatening accident while skiing in 2013.

The film includes in-depth interviews, including a rare conversation with Schumacher's wife Corinna, as well as previously unseen archive footage from his career.

Check out all the details below for the Schumacher release date and everything you need to know about the film.

Schumacher release date

Schumacher will be released on Netflix on Wednesday 15th September 2021 – roughly 30 years after the German's F1 debut in 1991.

It is a one-off film, as opposed to a series such as Drive to Survive or The Last Dance, though fans of both should be intrigued to see another global sports icon under the microscope.

What is included in Schumacher?

The film will be made up of a combination of original interviews and archive footage – some of which is previously unseen – telling the story of his career, from his early days karting in Kerpen to winning a record seventh world title in 2004.

Amongst those to be interviewed for the film are family members including his wife, father, and brother, and other F1 icons such as Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, and David Coulthard.

Speaking about the film, Schumacher's press officer Sabine Kehm said: "Michael Schumacher has redefined the professional image of a racing driver and has set new standards. In his quest for perfection, he spared neither himself nor his team, driving them to the greatest successes. He is admired all over the world for his leadership qualities.

"He found the strength for this task and the balance to recharge at home, with his family, whom he loves idolatrously. In order to preserve his private sphere as a source of strength, he has always rigorously and consistently separated his private from his public life.

"This film tells of both worlds. It is his family's gift to their beloved husband and father."

The film is directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, and Michael Wech, who previously worked on a documentary about another German sporting legend – former tennis star Boris Becker.

Schumacher trailer

The final trailer for Schumacher has been released with snippets of interviews with his closest family members, including son and current Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher, as well as icons of the sport such as Sebastian Vettel.

The focus will remain on Schumacher's remarkable career in motorsport and life away from the circuit at the time, with footage from his wedding day and extreme sports excursions also featured.

This looks like a must-watch for all F1 fans, sports supporters and self-professing novices who could be swept up in awe of a heroic figure, as they were with Jordan and The Last Dance.

Advertisement

Schumacher will arrive on Netflix on Wednesday 15th September 2021. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our guide to the best TV series on Netflix and best movies on Netflix, or visit our TV Guide

Authors

Patrick Cremona, RadioTimes.com's senior film writer looking at the camera and smiling
Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement