Michael Schumacher film to soon stream on Netflix

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Netflix has picked up the rights to Schumacher, a feature documentary on the life of F1 legend Michael Schumacher that will stream on the online platform from September 15.

The long-awaited film which has been in the works for several years will include never-seen-before archive material as well as interviews and contributions from the Schumacher family as well as motorsport personalities such as Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore and David Coulthard.

Over seven years after the seven-time world champion's devastating skiing accident, little is known of the former driver's medical condition as Schumacher's privacy has always been strongly guarded by his family.

However, Corinna Schumacher and her children, Mick and Gina-Marie, felt the need to gift the film to their beloved husband and father according to Schumacher's former assistant Sabine Kehm.

"Michael Schumacher has redefined the professional image of a racing driver and has set new standards," said Kehm.

"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 feature documentary's co-director, Vanessa Nocker, highlighted the supportive role played by Corinna Schumacher during the film's production.

"The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family," said Nocker.

"Corinna Schumacher herself was our greatest support in this. She herself wanted to make an authentic film, to show Michael as he is, with all his ups and downs, without any sugarcoating.

"She was great and brave enough to let us do what we wanted, and so we respected and kept her boundaries. A very inspiring, warm woman who made a lasting impression on all of us."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.