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Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, was renowned for his precision on the track and his disciplined lifestyle off it. The German legend, who hasn't been seen in public since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, may have lived an extravagent life, but his meals were surprisingly simple. His former personal chef, Luigi Montanini, has shared the recipe for what he called 'Schumi Nudel,' a pasta dish that Schumacher hailed as the world's best meal.

Crafted to fuel Schumacher during his dominant Ferrari years, this dish blends simplicity and sophistication. Montanini, who became a close confidant of Schumacher, shared the six key ingredients behind this culinary triumph, offering fans a chance to recreate the meal that powered a champion. The 'Schumi Nudel' was a race-weekend staple, designed to provide energy without weighing Schumacher down. Speaking to BILD, Montanini explained that Schumacher needed a dish that was both light and satisfying, perfect for the high-pressure world of Formula 1.

The foundation of the dish is fresh tagliatelle (or spaghetti), ideally handmade, which offers a hearty texture that holds the sauce perfectly. Schumacher, who spent years with Ferrari in Italy, loved its robust bite, a nod to his adopted second home.

To give the dish its rich, earthy flavor, Montanini relied on wild mushrooms, particularly porcini and chanterelles. Sourced fresh, these mushrooms brought a forest-like depth that Schumacher apparently adored, reflecting his appreciation for natural, high-quality ingredients.

Complementing the mushrooms is a generous grating of 24-month-aged Parmesan Reggiano, which adds a nutty, salty intensity. Montanini recalled Schumacher's fondness for this Italian classic.

A drizzle of premium truffle oil elevates the dish with a touch of luxury. Luigi described it as Schumacher's "secret indulgence," used sparingly to enhance the flavours without overpowering them. Fresh thyme, often hand-picked, adds a delicate aromatic lift, a detail Schumacher valued for its home-cooked comfort amidst his high-octane lifestyle.

Finally, a single, finely minced garlic clove ties the flavours together, carefully balanced to ensure it complements rather than dominates, aligning with Schumacher's preference for a light yet flavourful meal.

Preparation is straightforward yet precise, much like Schumacher's racing style. The chef sautés the garlic and mushrooms in olive oil, tosses in the cooked tagliatelle, and finishes with thyme, Parmesan, and a drizzle of truffle oil. The result is a dish Montanini calls "simple but perfect," embodying Schumacher's philosophy of excellence in every detail.

More than a meal, the 'Schumi Nudel' was a moment of connection. Chef Luigi fondly recalled Schumacher sharing it with his Ferrari team, laughing and bonding over plates that fuelled his iconic victories.

For fans, recreating this dish offers a way to celebrate his legacy. As Montanini notes: "Every bite is a taste of Michael's champion spirit." Try it at home and savour the meal that powered F1 history.

Ingredients:

1 onion, 1 garlic clove, small tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, tagliatelle (or spaghetti)

Preparation:

Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until transluscent. Halve the tomatoes and fry until softened. Add fresh basil leaves - the sauce is ready. Cook the spaghetti for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve immediately.

Note: No salt, no pepper - pure taste, "just as Michael likes it!"

Montanini first met Schumacher in the late 1990s when he was hired by Ferrari to cater for the team during race weekends. The Italian chef, known for his expertise in regional cuisine, quickly bonded with Schumacher over their shared love of authentic Italian flavours.

"Michael was more than a client," Montanini said. "We'd talk about food, family, and life in the Ferrari motorhome. He trusted me to keep him at his best." He added: "Even though he was a Ferrari driver, he constantly came to my place for dinner. That made me very happy."

Their friendship grew over late-night pasta dinners and discussions about perfecting recipes, with the 'Schumi Nudel' emerging as a favourite that reflected Schumacher's disciplined yet passionate approach to life.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Schumacher captured a record seven Formula 1 world titles - two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, followed by five consecutive triumphs with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. He also ranks second on the all-time list of Grand Prix victories with 91, trailing only Lewis Hamilton's 105.