STORY OF THE DAY: Schumacher’s Final Victory

Michael Schumacher won the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai in the number 5 Ferrari 248 F1. His 91st Formula One victory brought him level on points with Fernando Alonso at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, with Schumacher leading on countback and two rounds remaining.

Rain initially favoured the Michelin-equipped Renaults, while Schumacher struggled for grip on Bridgestone intermediate tyres. As the circuit dried, he caught Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, then passed Alonso before the final stops. Fisichella emerged narrowly ahead after changing to slicks but ran wide on cold tyres at the first corner, allowing Schumacher to seize the lead and resist Alonso’s late recovery.

The 248 F1 marked Ferrari’s return to a V8 engine under the regulations introduced for 2006. Its name referred to the 2.4-litre, eight-cylinder configuration of the Tipo 056 engine. A carbon-fibre monocoque, compact rear bodywork and steady development helped it become a genuine championship challenger after Ferrari’s difficult 2005 season.

Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 after winning two titles with Benetton and became the defining driver of the team’s modern revival. His speed, technical discipline and close working relationship with Ferrari produced five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. Shanghai proved to be the final victory of his Formula One career.