Michael Schumacher and Ferrari dominated the 2001 F1 season, while future champions Alonso and Räikkönen made their debuts.
Key Facts
- Season races
- 17-race series
- Championship margin
- 58 points over David Coulthard
- Schumacher victories
- 9 wins and 5 second places
- Career wins record
- 52nd win at Belgian Grand Prix
- Season span
- 4 March to 14 October 2001
- Tyre war began
- Michelin rejoined F1 for first time since 1984
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
Michelin's return to Formula One after a 17-year absence and Renault's acquisition of the Benetton team created new competitive dynamics heading into the 2001 season, which also featured several high-profile driver debuts alongside returning champions Schumacher and Ferrari.
The 2001 FIA Formula One World Championship, the 55th season of the sport, ran across 17 races from March to October. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari successfully defended both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, with Schumacher setting a record 52nd career victory at the Belgian Grand Prix and winning the title by a record 58-point margin.
Schumacher's dominance cemented his status as the sport's all-time wins leader at that point, while the debuts of Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya heralded a new generation of talent. The Michelin-Bridgestone tyre war that began this season continued through 2006, intensifying competition among constructors.