"You're HISTORY, unless you score points at Silverstone" | Ralf Schumacher on why he left Jordan

FULL EPISODE: Ralf Schumacher sits down with Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard on this episode of FFS! He reflects on his career, the teammates and team principles he worked with and why he felt he had to leave Jordan Grand Prix.
This episode was recorded in December 2023. You can listen to brand new episodes of FFS! every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you get your podcasts.
Produced by Whisper.
linktr.ee/ffsshow
00:00 - Intro
02:03 - Being denied a win at Spa in 1998 due to Eddie's team orders
10:30 - Leaving Jordan for Williams
15:44 - Influence of his brother Michael
21.03 - Running a vineyard and selling wine
25:28 - Recovering from the crash at the 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix
28:15 - Driving in Japan
31:52 - Being the father of a racing driver
34:22 - Reflections on being an F1 driver
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[@JB-E36]

Ralf is more likable in this podcast than I have seen him in his entire career.

[@turnercraig9953]

Well said! 😊

[@richjames6864]

He’s quite straight forward really.

[@Cloxxki]

To some, racing is fun, to some it's stressful.

[@FatHead1979]

@@richjames6864 And actually has a decent sense of fun/sense of humour

[@MisterMister5893]

Age mellows people out.

[@SpaceHCowboy]

As a Scotsman i can honestly say DC has absolute masterery of being so well spoken. His delivery, pronunciation, the way his words are received and his ease of clarity is a great representation of how well spoken the Scots can be. Proud. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@robstevens6590]

I am not at all surprised these Podcasts are the fastest growing.....its superb. Loving the honesty and openess. Ralf ...whatta guy. A proper gentleman. More power to your collective elbow DC ..EJ and especially Ralf.

[@lukemallory7832]

Ralf has really grown up into a fine gent.

[@nathanwilliams2152]

I agree. He's a little bit like his elder brother used to be (please get well Michael), in that, when he answers a question, you get a straightforward answer that's right on the button. Admittedly, there is a slight psychological spin he puts on things, to suit his requirements, but that's human. He'd be an excellent permanent pundit.

[@drifter402]

@@nathanwilliams2152 Michael isn't going to "get better" for goodness sake.

[@lukemallory7832]

@@drifter402 For goodness sake, how about you mind your own business and allow someone to express their well wishes without being a condescending prick? Totally unnecessary reply to what was a nice comment.

[@drifter402]

@@lukemallory7832 Because it's not nice. The man has permanent brain damage. He's not going to pop up one day and say "Hi everybody. Miss me?"

[@mufay8032]

hes so fine

[@leifcron8054]

Thank you Eddie, thank you David, thank you Ralf. I remember bumping into Ralf at the gasstation in my hometown. Some honest words, smile and handshake without the selfie shit. It was nice to meet you!🙏🏼

[@Mark-zk3gu]

This video is proof that anything Eddie Jordan says is either a lie or exaggerated. You can tell Ralf's version is the correct one and Eddie Jordan version is fantasy

[@NicotineRosberg]

That's the way to go

[@Tjescoo]

A selfie is horrible, but "pictures or it didn't happen" still applies!

[@leifcron8054]

@@Tjescoo take it or leave it. I respect privacy and don’t need to put a camera into peoples face just to feel better myself. It happened and I don’t care if I can’t prove it. „Honest words“ does not include „I want a picture for my self to show everybody else.“

[@trappenweisseguy27]

Mark, I used to be a fan of Eddie, but he’s a rat. See the way he treated Gachot. He took his money and abandoned him when he got the ridiculous jail sentence. Aaand he was his manager at the time. Not someone to trust.

[@robstein67]

This is a great series.... Now the years have calmed the heads and everyone can actually answer more candidly than back in the day. What does strike me is that so many of you are now friendly vs. in the day.

[@IOWPCV]

Glad I've seen Ralf's true personality as I've always thought of him differently to how warm and personable he comes across on the podcast.

[@RaySpillane]

As members of the Jordan GP supporters club we had access to the paddock at the '97 Silverstone GP. After one of the sessions Ralph came to sign autographs for the supporters gathered around. After the allotted time the rep from B&H said that was it & began to usher Ralph onto the next public commitment which led to a lot of angst from the dozens of people still waiting in the queue for his autograph. At that point Ralph stood up with outstretched arms to calm everyone and said 'No' to the B&H rep and that he was going to remain until everyone had the autograph they wanted. I still have the race programme with his autograph next to his profile in the programme. A genuine nice guy & probably not as ruthless as his older brother which is probably why he didn't achieve the success he deserved.

[@patlyons7515]

The respect they have for each other that allows them to talk so freely with each other is gorgeous

[@deanjovi]

Really nice hearing from Ralf. Love his pure honesty. Must be difficult for him to talk about Michael but he has such a great way about him. 97-06 was my era of F1

[@Obetv01]

As a huge Michael fan, was also vicariously so with Ralf. Loved the way Michael was so protective of his brother whilst also operating at the very sharp end of racing himself. He was truly his brother's keeper. Great times through that era.

[@rsjamie9423]

As an English fan I'd love to see more of Ralf and his insights on British F1 TV coverage 📺👍

[@heliumtrophy]

That'll probably go down as well as a mug of sick. There've been plenty of openly hostile reactions to Ralf's thoughts on some drivers. It's a shame because he along with JV are giving their thoughts because they're being paid to do it and then it gets translated and the Geoff's of England decide they don't want nor care for their opinion because "well they didn't exactly do much, did they?" It defeats the purpose of punditry (we have the wonderful English Sky Sports for that /end sarcasm)

[@emmlopezr]

Great episode. Ralf was fast! Even Montoya agrees. DC and EJ should bring Bernie

[@Widnu]

DC and EJ should bring Bernie

[@cribbe6547]

Love listening to this. These types of personalities (EJ, Ralf, DC) are all sorely missing in F1 today! As Ralf mentions, the emotions of different characters in the paddock doesn't seem be there anymore sadly

[@BrianGon89]

It's all rose tinted, I remember the paddock personalities in those F1 days being famously more frigid compared to say the indycar guys or current F1 drivers. I like how they're really relaxed now, maybe the current atmosphere is rubbing off on them.

[@cribbe6547]

@@BrianGon89 I don't think you're wrong & rose tinted glasses is certainly a factor (I definitely think the sport was more entertaining to watch back then), but the general media training & way drivers talk is so frigid & boring to listen to these days, compared to the drivers back then. The drivers today are PR trained to the max, it's very monotonous to listen to what feels like the same interviews every week or 2 verbatim

[@Widnu]

I miss Ralf - I really enjoyed his time at Williams/BMW.

[@DidierPeroni]

Praying for Michael 🙏 I cannot understate the impact he had on my childhood.

[@zacharywhite211]

Wish they weren't so pathologically secretive and shared a general update on his health

[@Princeofbelka]

@@zacharywhite211 it is literally family privacy? Have some respect.

[@zacharywhite211]

@@Princeofbelka yeah yeah I don't need you to regurgitate the same thing they have been saying for years. Of course they don't owe the public anything. But nobody is asking for intimate details. If they simply spoke in general terms about how Michael is doing people would have shut the hell up. But instead they created a frenzy for years but not saying anything. Leading to all sorts of speculation. Creating false hope and causing people to do crazy shit to get information.

[@Princeofbelka]

@@zacharywhite211 you should go and ask Ralf in person and make sure someone records you lmao

[@zacharywhite211]

@@Princeofbelka you make them sound unhinged. Ralf is a pretty down-to-earth bloke. This interviewed convinced me further of it. So to suggest he'd get violent simply for getting asked about his brother's health is pretty off base I reckon.

[@kimiraikkonen949]

man eddie is hilarious

[@seanthompson258]

Yeah we are south African listening to these great drivers and what happened in the past!

[@opobadge]

Ralf, brilliant - what a great genuine character

[@davidclarke1151]

What a lovely interview. I was surprised when Ralf called time on his F1 career when he did as I thought he had more to offer. He comes across as such a laid back engaging person. I agree with the other comments. F1 broadcasts in the U.K. should include more of his thoughts and insights on driving. If anything these interviews should be longer. Big thumbs up to everyone involved putting these podcasts together. 🎉

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

Loving THESE PODCASTS so overdue ! keep em coming !

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

What an amazing life journey for Ralf Schumacher from Manheim ( which by the way is also is a small village) , F1 and to the present day successful racing team and business owner. Great interview!

[@sharpbodies8992]

This is brilliant! The stories are amazing. Ralf is such a funny guy what an amazing talent he was

[@karialvari]

I newer thought you get Ralf on board! Good to find out you are friends still. And the ones you would like us to have on podcast, Hill, Ficichella and Frentzen are the ones I would like to see also.

[@helenarmour184]

Ralf and Eddie together again!! The first driver I started following and the team owner aswell! Thanks guys! You should add Ralf to the ffs team, he brings quality content everytime he speaks!!

[@MediocreAverage]

Ive been a fan since Brundle & Barrichello in 1996! I saw their car in a UK service station too, just randomly out on show in the middle of nowhere. Would love to ask EJ where that was and why 😂. I couldnt believe it the day they got Ralf - saw it was a real coup for the team. My favourite drivers at Jordan, who I think were better for the team, were Frentzen, Brundle and Ralf. Hill was something of a letdown I thought, and didnt show enough focus or commitment to a team that couldve really been his swansong.

[@arturaskundelis]

All I'm asking is make these podcasts longer! I grew up watching you guys, i could listen you reminiscing forever!

[@tonymarshall4164]

These podcasts are absolutely fantastic…it’s lovely to see all these great racer’s reminiscing

[@swidr5626]

I think one thing i truly love about those podcasts so far is that everyone looks back at those times and sees how much they grew up. None of the guests, and neither Eddie or DC look so emotionally into that, they just joke about it, don't criticize each other, and just appreciate the time they could spend together in the sport and learn from it. As a 21 year old it's something that really encourages me to try things out and know that in reality i am allowed to be a bit more childish and learn from my own experiences, and not have to put so much pressure into everything i do, but at the same time i can remain myself. I also like the mutual respect everyone has towards each other too, and how you guys are equal to each other. That's really nice to see and hear

[@FEARYOYOYO]

100% But F1 people are strong people also

[@ThePaulz80]

Thank you Eddie, Ralf and David give us best competitive cars in late 90s and 2000s championship. Not to forget Michael fighting spirit and hope he will be recover.

[@MooncricketsInc]

Nice to see Ralf on. As a ferrari fan, I enjoyed seeing him in the bmw battling his brother in the 00s. Fast car,but unreliable. Prost,Hakkinen,Irvine,Brawn, and Piquet next?

[@thekierongiles]

Can i take this opportunity to thank Ralf for the most glorious interview ever with an F1 driver, when in a post race interview with Louise Walker , Ralf was asked "Ralf what happened with Giancarlo? " To which Ralf replied " i don't know, i guess i f**ked up!" I still laugh to myself whenever i think of the incident. Ralf , Sir i appaud your candid honest reply. Thank you. 21:10 21:10

[@erikdanielsen2691]

Great podcast and Ralf is a super guy, funny and intressting

[@Fabiolino2b]

Fantastico sentire parlare Ralf mi ricordo ancora quando mi faci la foto con lui e suo fratello Micheal che era ed e ancora il mio idolo …a Monza 1999 …. Un saluto a Jordan eddy 💪💪 e sempre forza Ferrari

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Chemistry between Eddie and DC is fantastic it's even better now been able to watch on KZbin rather than just listening to the podcast ( noticed nothing was asked about how Michael is doing ). Everyone knows the Schumacher family are very private regarding his health .

[@gustavomarques4097]

They don't ask because all of them know exactly how Michael is doing these days...

[@FEARYOYOYO]

​@@gustavomarques4097yeah you just have to imagine a super thin Schumi laying in his bed staring at the ceiling

[@daniels.2720]

Private means Private > what more needs to be said ?

[@wynandduplessis9166]

Great conversation! I hope you had some good wine from the Cape region. I've always been a big fan of Ralf.

[@Jil8840]

Underrated driver. He should last longer.

[@racmaxcam7904]

Ralf a true gentleman in every way. ☘ :}

[@guidochristopherschofisch]

Not for the Germans In the German F1 Facebook groups. So stupid Fußball class

[@eplatel1]

I love David courtyard … râlf has changed so much … such an enjoyable guy,

[@8martinp1]

What a rounded character Ralf is. It's so good to see these guys open up and show their true selves away from the pressures of F1.

[@Rsutherland07]

Good job Eddie and David. You two are great!

[@Praise_God369]

Ralf so much nicer then i remember him

[@justinbest9429]

What an epic conversation. I really enjoyed every minute. What a joy! I really enjoyed listening to Ralf talk so honestly. Only sad to hear he hunts, that's disappointing. Pretty sure Ralf and David crash into each other in China 2004 I believe.

[@thysmulder1741]

I watched F1 religiously for 32 years, then got fedup in 2016 with pansy drivers, Sir this and that and sterile cars and tracks. Now my daughter loves it and is drawing me back. But this podcast is fabulous, a nostalgic, lovely trip. Thank you guys !

[@janpap1508]

Such a great show Big respect to Mr.Eddie Jordan for bringing fresh air to F1 back in the day, such a sympathetic personality! Too bad he left quite early from the sport. God bless you both :-)

[@johnfarrell8981]

Loving these podcasts…nice to reminisce, laugh out loud and hear about life beyond F1. Keep them coming. Brilliant!

[@1Three8Fiver]

So thankful that you finally decided to give us the "live" video as well as the audio only version of the podcast. Your chemistry and dynamic is fantastic to see, no wonder it's the fastest growing pod.

[@AGabaldoni]

This podcast has quickly become one of my favorites! F1 stories from the past with great hosts and guests! Thanks Eddie and David! And all the guests of course!!!!

[@MediocreAverage]

To the ppl saying EJ is a P.O.S., I have this to say: Im still a fan of EJ - and in that era most of them were crooks and swindlers. If EJ wasn't EJ then Jordan F1 wouldve folded in 1992. Schumi wouldnt have got 2 world championships with Benneton if Flavio wasnt a spectacular p.o.s his whole life. F1 wouldve remained an obscure rich-men-with-garages hobby sport if Bernie hadnt been Bernie. As Tolstoy famously said "love someone as they are, not as you want them to be". And at the very least, appreciate EJ for his honesty in these podcasts, and having people on where the truth will out!

[@TheFoggyjones]

Eddie's great. Never had a problem with EJ. All sports need their great characters and Eddie is undoubtedly one of them. And Jordan was everyone's second team. Must tell you something right?

[@mikeb3010]

Well done Whisper and all the contributors, this series is long overdue 👍

[@spice3767]

I worked with Ralf at Williams and didn’t see this side of him, very entertaining pod cast 👍

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

Absolutely loving these podcasts so real & raw. Keep it up guys! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@speedypete64]

Enjoying every one of these... keep them coming!

[@1_5RCBiker]

If you only did this like Ben Foster and his Fozcast you would be a winner on Spotify. Great to see the full video!

[@davespain7716]

Addictive listening, I love the chemistry of these podcasts, well done everyone.

[@GOGULETTE]

I have 52 and I follow you religiously from Quebec City. I want more...

[@rachealrussell2641]

Great series thanks guys and keep it coming

[@markfalshaw-gv9im]

ANOTHER GREAT POD CAST ,IAM LOVING IT 😊

[@rondee]

Another great interview, but I really wish they talked more about the Toyota years.

[@DazLiddle]

Loving these episodes keep up the good work👍

[@MrLefty27]

Nice to see Ralf’s humorous side.

[@master-kq3nw]

I miss Jordan team beatiful yellow car miss good old times when f1 were f1 small cars v10 sound

[@mancans6862]

I love how candid they are here.. fireworks!🎉

[@dehaviland7645]

Fantastic... More of this please

[@petelewis6920]

What a lovely bloke Ralf is. Great episode guys, thanks.

[@tonymcgo]

Thank you for these podcasts, excellent.

[@Kaleidoscopic_slop]

Love this podcast, chaps. Keep ‘em coming. Nice interview with Ralph btw.

[@markcoombs7233]

Great podcast EJ DC your a legends keep doing what your doing looking forward to the next one.!

[@brendanmaguire4134]

GREAT PODCAST.... Keep them coming lads. 🏎🏎🏎🏎 👍👍✌🇮🇪

[@John907i]

Great show as always guys good fun 👍🍻

[@TomChame]

Very enjoyable podcast, thanks!

[@seanwilliams325]

Love these podcast just get better and talking about to me the best era in F1

[@Mobi666]

This youtube channel is great! I like the dynamic duo and also like that they dare to ask the difficult questions to their guests. I hope there will be one with Damon Hill where they ask him about the Adelaide 94 grand Prix

[@donjohnson4368]

More content please guys. Love your channel

[@dankorolyk5917]

Another fantastic interview

[@andysmith4394]

Time fly’s by so quick when u watch the pod cast thanks guys 🏎❤️

[@jonelson1983]

Love all these podcasts

[@jonihamalainen2228]

Ralf hasnt changhed a alot in 20 years. Good genetics. He had the luxury of driving the best sounds V10 engine monsters ever specially with BMW but also Toyota.

[@JB026]

Love these stories from the early days I watched F1!

[@engared]

Amazing series!

[@daniels.2720]

Looking hopefully forward to the F1 'Dads' kids coming up: Schumacher, Coulthard, Montoya, Mansell etc.

[@japanunravelled]

This is how to make an entertaining, enthralling F1 podcast. Please make longer ones!

[@scottballantine1329]

Another great interview gents…. Yes DC, thinking about you in Monaco… with HRH…. Driving through the streets in that SL…. And then, me being a Scot, going up home and driving right past your Dad’s transport Company… shows you what’s possible in life… Great Podcast all…

[@boosterhuiz2779]

Best F1 series out there

[@chrisjames4150]

Great stories. History told

[@terryevans7055]

When’s the next episode. I’m getting into these. Fun to hear old time stories and honesty even if there is some tension recalling them. 😂

[@F1ForSuccess]

Podcasts - Brand new episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you get your podcasts. KZbin - Full video episodes of previous interviews drop every Friday at 5pm (UK time).

[@benoitdeclercq9722]

nice one!

[@enouk2]

Keep it up guys I'm loving this podcast more than drive to survive this is the real history and memories of formula one can't wait to see what u guys have coming up

[@davidhawes7959]

Took a different view of Ralf what a nice guy. Gonna order a bottle WHERES THE DISCOUNT CODE????????????

[@LordandGodofYouTube]

You should call this podcast "Let's get Eddie's former employees in for a character reference". 🙂

[@jwilson1659]

Nice one, must sample the wine, im off to north Italy , ina few weeks

[@grantsutherland6798]

I love your podcasts. Thanks for the seadog noises Eddie. Hey just one question. "When the bloody hell is Newey going to start sailing his Oyster, instead of dreaming about it?"

[@user-dg4kb4mw5z]

Brilliant!

[@GrandPrixDecals]

Amazing guests! But…. two words - Ron Dennis 🙏

[@GCALcontent]

Get Mark Webber on soon boys. :)

[@jamiejohnson84]

Ron Denise is a legend in f1 ❤

[@bondjamesbond5580]

Looking forward to Eddie Irvine as a guest thats going to be a blast 😅

[@tachyon107]

please get Eddie Irvine next! PLEASE

[@ingocernohorsky]

Love the chats

[@MimonJesus67]

RIP Michael.

[@simonkevnorris]

He's not dead yet.

[@joea2484]

God, this reminds me of how much I miss having Eddie Jordan in Formula 1. That and V10s