“I have a very special photo with him.” – Throughout his extraordinary career, Michael Schumacher inspired generations of racing drivers, not just in Formula 1 but far beyond it. One of those influenced by the seven-time world champion is Ayhancan Güven, the first Turkish driver to win the DTM title.

In a recent interview, the 27-year-old offered personal insight into just how deep Schumacher’s influence ran during his formative years.

 

 

A childhood shaped by Schumacher’s example

Güven’s motorsport journey began early. At just six years old, his father, Hakan, took him to the kart track during the height of Schumacher’s dominant Ferrari era. From the outset, Schumacher was more than just a television hero, he was a benchmark.

“My father taught me racing, and he always cited Michael Schumacher as an example at that age,” Güven recalled. The family tried to follow Schumacher’s habits, discipline, and professionalism as closely as possible.

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Copying every detail of a role model

For the young Güven, admiration quickly turned into imitation. Schumacher’s influence extended to the smallest details, from his equipment to his training routines.

“If Michael wore a T-shirt, we had to wear one too. He used this brand of gloves, so we had to have them as well,” Güven explained. “Michael did this training. Okay, we have to train like that too.”

Anything featuring Schumacher or other Formula 1 drivers, books, newspapers, or interviews was studied closely. Güven clearly remembers that, between the ages of five and seven, Schumacher was always the ultimate reference point. The message was simple: if Schumacher did it, it must be worth copying.

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Fitness and focus were the defining standards

Schumacher’s legendary fitness also made a strong impression, reinforced by Güven’s father. Even before sports science became standard in junior categories, Schumacher was already seen as the gold standard for physical preparation.

“My father always said, ‘Before the start, Michael’s heart rate is as if he were asleep. We need to work on your heart rate,’” Güven recalled. This emphasis on calmness, conditioning and mental control was embedded in his own approach to racing, qualities that would later prove vital in professional competition.

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“A very special photo” with a racing icon

Years later, Güven had the chance to meet his childhood idol in person — a moment that remains unforgettable. The encounter took place between 2010 and 2013 at the La Conca kart track in Italy.

“He was driving himself back then, and I ran up to him and took a picture,” Güven said. “I have a very special photo with him.”

What struck Güven most was not Schumacher’s fame, but his humility. Despite being one of the most successful drivers in motorsport history, Schumacher was working hands-on at the kart track.

“He prepared his kart with a mechanic. He was the one who put the kart on the table,” Güven explained. ‘I thought, “This guy is so humble. He’s Michael Schumacher, yet he’s racing against young drivers and preparing his own kart.”

For Güven, that moment perfectly summed up why Schumacher remained such a powerful role model, not just because of his success, but because of his attitude too.

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