Michael Schumacher's most EMBARRASSING moments

As seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher turns 40 � Vijay Pattni looks at his less-than celebratory moments�

He advises Ferrari and helped develop the Enzo, he�s won the Formula 1 world title a record SEVEN times�and he used to wear a mullet.

Yes � the F1 world�s biggest champion is a man who used to style his hair in the shape of David Hasslehoff circa 1988.

But despite his questionable coiffe, the man is a racing legend.

Pre-mullet

He won his first karting competition at the tender age of six � before he even knew about mullets � and his ascent into the pantheon of Formula 1 greats began.

His father � Rolf Schumacher � took on a second job, much like Lewis Hamilton�s father did, to support the young Michael in his racing career, who eventually signed up to Formula 3 and then to Formula 1 in 1991.

Racing with Benetton, Michael Schumacher racked up two impressive victories to secure his first championship wins � although his first was highly controversial.

His Benetton team were accused of cheating via illegal traction control systems in the car and fuel rig tampering, and some say he managed to win the title by driving into the car of title contender � and British legend � Damon Hill, forcing them both to retire. �Schuey� won on points.

Schuey blows it

Schumacher � or the �Red Baron� � then moved to Ferrari in 1995, and began laying the groundwork for his super-successful championship run, which saw him notch up another FIVE world championship wins.

However, despite reigning supreme as the driver with the most wins, Michael �Schumi� Schumacher has had his fair share of embarrassment.

In 1996, the engine in his Ferrari blew as he drove onto the grid�BEFORE the start of the French GP.

In 2006, he tried to halt qualifying at Monaco by stopping his car on the track � for which the stewards threw him to the BACK of the track.

But that�s just on the track. Off it, Michael has appeared in some absolute howlers.

Because you�re worth it

In 2002, Schuey fronted the L�oreal shampoo adverts, with panning shots of the racetrack mixed in with him ruffling back his hair, and uttering the mortally embarrassing lines of: �I can�t afford to make mistakes�; �I don�t leave anything to chance� and wanted �state of the art technology��because with L�oreal, �everyday my hair is enriched with vitamins�.

Don�t forget� �I�m worth it�.

And what a finale we have for you � here�s Michael caught on candid camera for German television in 1996 � trying on a variety of costumes including �gladiator� and �bunny rabbit��