Michael Schumacher’s name among the pantheon of legends in Formula 1 was already well and truly sealed.
Having already secured six drivers titles, two at Benetton and four consecutive with Ferrari, the German great was on the verge of breaking Juan Manuel Fangio’s 47-year-old record of five straight titles heading into 2004 Belgian Grand Prix.
Schumacher was leading the Drivers’ Championship by 38 points from team-mate Rubens Barrichello. Beat him and his place in history would be secured.
A poor start saw Schumacher slip from second to fourth. But in Ferrari’s 700th GP, he fought back to claim second ahead of Barrichello and claim his seventh title.
Other memorable events on this day…
1950: The International Olympic Committee votes to admit West Germany & Japan in 1952 Games in Helsinki.
1977: St Louis Cardinal Lou Brock eclipses Ty Cobb’s 49-year-old career stolen bases record at 893 as Padres win 4-3.
1987: Portuguese athlete Rosa Mota wins Women’s Marathon at World Chapionships in Rome in 2hr 25:17mins.
2012: The USADA claims to have stripped Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles.
