Michael Schumacher‘s daughter, Gina has revealed how the seven-time Formula 1 Champion’s tragic accident prompted her to pursue a career in equestrian.
The former Ferrari and Mercedes driver is considered, arguably, as the greatest driver to ever graced the storied rostrum of F1.
But the 57-year-old has not been in the public eye ever since his tragic 2013 skiing accident.
Freshly retired from the sport, Schumacher was on holiday with his family when he struck his head after suffering the freak accident.
The German driver has two children; Mick, who currently races in IndyCar after driving in F1 for Haas between 2021 and 2022.
Gina, on the other hand, has carved out a pretty niche for herself in competitive horse riding – even winning the NHRA World Championship, last year.
In a new documentary on her life and career titled ‘Horsepower – The World of Gina Schumacher‘ she revealed how her father’s accident prompted her choice in career.
“After dad’s accident, I really threw myself into it because I had to do something,” she said.
“The horses have always been important. But since then they’ve really been… I mean, I couldn’t do without horses. They helped me get through everything.
“[My mother, Corinna] used to have a horse and when we were younger, she wanted to start again. But she wanted a safe horse. Then she was in Dubai with dad and they rode Arabians.
“Dad fell off one. There was a Quarter Horse next to it and he was there to calm the others down. And then Mum said she wanted a horse like that.
“I’m grateful that I can do this, because it’s not something to take for granted. My parents made it possible. That’s why it’s always been important to me to work hard in this area, so that I can do it as well as I possibly can.”
Michael Schumacher had already spotted the ‘athlete’s trait’ in Gina
Schumacher’s wife, Corinna has also made an appearance in the documentary, charting her daughter’s equestrian exploits.
She recalled how once Schumacher had predicted that Gina would excel at horse riding – specifically highlight a trait in her that only top-tier athletes possess.
“Michael once said to me when Gina was 10: ‘Gina will be much better than you.’,” she revealed.
“He explained: ‘Because she’s more selfish. If you’re an athlete, you have to be selfish in a certain way. And that’s great. Otherwise, you won’t amount to anything.’
“Today I think: ‘He was so right.’”
Gina’s documentary is slated for broadcast release on the 17th of May, 2026 but will be available on ZDF Mediathek from 17th April onwards.
READ MORE – ‘Top-tier,’ ‘Tremendous’: Veterans already praising Mick Schumacher’s oval pace
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