James Vowles: Michael Schumacher was so impressive as a leader

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Michael Schumacher is commonly associated with victories, titles, uncompromising determination, and relentless ambition. But James Vowles now offers a completely different perspective on the seven-time world champion, based on their time together at Mercedes, which was just as important to his success.

The current Williams team boss shares an anecdote on the High Performance podcast that demonstrates how Schumacher distinguished himself as a leader primarily through his humanity. However, it had unintended side effects, as Vowles was left feeling rather ashamed afterward.

Vowles worked closely with Schumacher between 2010 and 2012, then as chief strategist at Mercedes. While Schumacher's comeback fell short of expectations on the sporting front, he quickly became a key figure within the team.

The comeback: Shortly before Christmas 2009, on December 23, Michael Schumacher announced his return to Formula 1. He had just signed a three-year contract with Mercedes. Photo gallery

"He was genuinely interested in who you were, what drove you, how your family was doing," says Vowles. "And not for personal gain—but because it really mattered to him." (Peter Sauber: Schumacher didn't want a single room)

Motorcycling in France and flowers for your partner

Vowles particularly remembers a private moment: "He knew when my partner's birthday was and had flowers delivered to her home. That embarrassed me because I hadn't thought of it myself." It was typical of Schumacher, he said, to make such gestures that went far beyond what was professionally necessary.

This is demonstrated by another episode with Schumacher from his free time. Even in this episode, the German consciously sought contact with teammates. Vowles recalls a day together at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet – not in a Formula 1 car, however, but on motorcycles.

"We raced there together. It was one of the best days of my life," he says. "Even years later, we both laughed about that day." It was typical to create such experiences to strengthen bonds and break down barriers.

Schumacher was a completely different person in public than he was behind the scenes, Vowles asserts. Leading with willpower and heart – that left a deep impression on him. And it also had an impact on the rest of the team: "He took everyone along for the ride. When Michael said, 'We're going this way,' the whole team followed him – on both sides of the garage."

That's why it was one of his greatest regrets that Schumacher wasn't able to celebrate another victory in his second career: "It still hurts me today. He really deserved one." (Why Michael Schumacher's comeback didn't work out)

Even though he eluded sporting success, Schumacher's influence remained felt for a long time. It's difficult to objectively quantify how much of a role he played in Mercedes's eventual rise to become the dominant team of the early hybrid era. What is undisputed, however, is that he left a deep impression on everyone he worked with. ( Why there are no updates on Schumacher's health )