What if Schumacher had driven the McLaren in 2000?

The simulation's verdict

Michael Schumacher would have won the 2000 title in 100% of the 200 simulations.

Based on 200 simulations of the 2000 season. Numbers can vary each time you play.

Historical context

The year 2000 was the beginning of the Schumacher-Ferrari dynasty. The German won the world title by just 8 points over Häkkinen. The McLaren MP4/15 was perhaps the fastest car that year on high-speed circuits. What would have happened if the Kaiser had been at the wheel of the McLaren?

The real 2000 season

The year 2000 opened Ferrari's golden era and capped five seasons of obsessive work by Michael Schumacher alongside Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne. The Scuderia had been chasing its first drivers' title since 1979, and the pressure was immense. The championship was a long tug-of-war with Mika Häkkinen, who produced moments for the ages such as his double overtake on Schumacher and Zonta at Spa, rated among the finest ever. The McLaren was blisteringly fast, but Ferrari's reliability and determination eventually tipped the scales. Schumacher clinched the title at Suzuka by beating Häkkinen head to head, and broke down in tears over the radio as he confirmed Ferrari was back on top. It was the start of a dominance that would last half a decade.

Real champion: Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari F1-2000. Schumacher breaks down in tears on the radio when confirming his first Ferrari title in Japan. See the full 2000 season →

The driver

How it's simulated

The engine recreates qualifying (Q1, Q2, Q3) and every Grand Prix with the ~20 real drivers of 2000, weighing each car's performance, driver skill, weather, safety cars and tyre wear. Learn how the simulator works →