Michael Schumacher's victory at the 2001 French Grand Prix was the 50th Formula One win of his career, extending his championship lead to 31 points.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
- Schumacher's career win number
- 50th Formula One victory
- Attendance
- 120,717 people
- Race length
- 72 laps
- Championship lead after race
- 31 points over Coulthard
- Race in season
- 10th of 17
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Heading into the race, Michael Schumacher led the Drivers' Championship by 24 points over David Coulthard, with Ferrari also leading McLaren in the Constructors' Championship. Ralf Schumacher secured the first pole position of his career, setting the stage for an intra-team battle at the front of the grid.
Ralf Schumacher led the opening 23 laps before pit stops shuffled the order, allowing Michael Schumacher to assume the lead. After Montoya briefly led laps 46–50, Michael Schumacher retook the lead and held it to the finish, with Ralf Schumacher second and Barrichello third. Coulthard received a stop-and-go penalty for speeding at the pit lane exit.
The result extended Michael Schumacher's Drivers' Championship lead to 31 points over Coulthard and moved Ralf Schumacher into third in the standings. Ferrari extended their Constructors' lead over McLaren to 52 points, while Williams remained third and Sauber moved into a clear fourth place with seven rounds remaining.