Michael Schumacher Gets Officier of the Legion d'honneur Title

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher may not experience the best of times right now, but his past achievements have secured him a worthy title in France. Earlier this week, the 41-year old German racer was honored with the Legion d'honneur prize from French prime minister Francois Fillon.

Officier of the Legion d'honneur is a title established by France's emperor Napoleon and dates back more than two centuries (1802), being the highest honor the government of France can award to a non-French citizen.

“To find a relevant comparison (to Schumacher), one must go back to the origins of formula one and the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, your only rival,” Fillon was quoted by French media as having said to the 41-year-old German when presenting him with the honor.

The ceremony took place in France and several of Schumacher's long-time friends were present, including his former Ferrari boss and current president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt. Jean Alesi also attended the event.

This is the second time this year that the government of France awards the Officier of the Legion d'honneur title to a figure related to Formula One. Earlier this month, Lotus F1 Team's boss Tony Fernandes, also owner of AirAsia, received the same honor from Fillon, thanks to his company's great contribution to the aviation industry.

In his 17-year racing career in Formula One, Schumacher has broken several records and is currently leading the all-time stats in titles (7), race wins (91), fastest laps (76), pole positions (68), points scored (1379, until this season) and most races won in a single season – 2004 (13).