Michael Schumacher fans send angry messages after friend's controversial F1 statement
F1 icon Michael Schumacher has faced calls to be stripped of his maiden title in the sport
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Michael Schumacher fans have reacted angrily on social media after close friend Roger Benoit said the German should lose his maiden F1 title.
Back in 1994, the Formula One icon was racing for Benetton.
Schumacher then won his first title in controversial circumstances after a crash with rival Damon Hill at the Australian Grand Prix.
The German collided with his opponent with both men then forced to withdraw from the race, giving Schumacher the crown of champion as a result.
Michael Schumacher won his first F1 title in controversial circumstances back in 1994
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Earlier this week, close friend Benoit said Schumacher should be stripped of his first title.
Speaking to Blick, he said: "Of course, I know that he was world champion seven times.
"But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill."
Schumacher fans have now reacted angrily to that suggestion on social media, however.
One user slammed Benoit by saying: "People making ridiculous statements for publicity!
Another said: "Theyve (sic) gone too far now."
"Some 'friend' this Benoit is! Leave the title with Schumacher. He earned it. Felt sorry for Damon Hill but we can't change history, although many people try!" were the words of a third fan.
A fourth stated: "Nearly 20 years ago get a life and leave Schumacher alone to live his enforced medical retirement."
A fifth ranted: 1994 title.....19 years ago......just let it go!"
And a sixth said: "No chance great driver."
Right now, there's nothing to suggest F1 chiefs will act and try and strip Schumacher of his title.
That triumph in Australia nearly three decades ago would be the start of an era of dominance from the Formula One icon.
He would retain his crown with Benetton the following year, winning nine races on his way to glory.
In 1996, Schumacher would switch to Ferrari.
And he'd proceed to secure five titles on the trot between 2000 and 2004, establishing himself as one of the greatest drivers in the sport in the process.
Little is known about Schumacher's condition these days after a tragic skiing accident back in 2013.
The F1 hero was with his son, Ralf, when he went off course and his hit head on a rock.
Schumacher was put in a medically induced coma and spent months in hospital before being allowed to return home.
He has not been in the public eye ever since, however, with his family preferring to keep details of his health private.
And former team-mate Johnny Herbert said recently that it was 'sad' for everybody that Schumacher can't provide to F1 due to his ongoing absence.]
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F1 icon Michael Schumacher hasn't been seen in public for more than a decade
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“We have lost a megastar of our sport who gave so much enjoyment to a lot of people,” Herbert said last week.
“It was very sad that Mick couldn’t have his Dad around and it is sad that we as an F1 community don’t have him around the paddock.
“It is a shame. Everyone loses out on learning about the Michael Schumacher we never saw when he was in the cockpit.”