F1: Top 5 Australian Grand Prix' of all time

#3 Schumacher and Hill clash in Controversial Circumstances

Michael Schumacher won his first of seven titles down under in '94.

With the tragic passing of Ayrton Senna in San Marino earlier that year, the door was open for a new champion to take their place at the top of the sport. There were two leading candidates; Damon Hill, the late Brazilian's teammate and Michael Schumacher of Benetton.

Schumacher had started the season in incredible form, winning six of the first seven races. However, through a variety of penalties and improved form from Damon the title went to the final round, the Australian Grand Prix at Adelaide. Schumacher had an advantage of just 1 point but started in front of Hill on the grid. He converted his advantage into a lead with Hill not far behind but unable to challenge.

On lap 36 Schumacher made an uncharacteristic mistake and ran wide, hitting the wall on the tight street circuit. This possibly damaged his car, but we'll never know because what happened next has gone down in infamy in F1.

Hill didn't see the accident, he only saw the Benetton coming back onto the track, and attempted to get past the German. But Schumacher wasn't having any of it and collided with Damon, taking himself out of the race (sounds familiar, doesn't it?). Hill tried to continue but his suspension was too damaged and he was in tears.

Some say it was a racing incident, others say that Michael drove into Hill. But the history books will always say that on that day Schumacher won the first of his seven titles and would defend his crown the following year.