Michael Bartels

Michael Bartels (March 8, 1968 - Present): German racing driver who attempted to qualify for four Formula 1 races in 1991 with Lotus but achieved significant success in GT racing. Won the 1985 German karting championship and 1986 German Formula Ford 1600 championship. In 1990, entered the International Formula 3000 Championship with Cobra Motorsport's Reynard-Mugen, scoring just one point in eleven races. In 1991, spent half the season in F3000 before joining Team Lotus in Formula 1 as replacement for Johnny Herbert, who had Japanese Formula 3000 commitments.

Participated in four F1 Grand Prix events (Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain), failing to qualify the Lotus 102B-Judd in all four races, ending his F1 career. His F1 opportunity with Lotus came too early in his career, but he subsequently found extraordinary success in sports car racing. Won the FIA GT Championship three times (2006, 2008, 2009), partnering with Andrea Bertolini from 2006 onwards after Thomas Scheider's departure. Also won the Spa 24 Hours three times (2005, 2006, 2008).

Became a multiple FIA GT champion and one of the sport's most successful GT racing specialists, demonstrating that his failed F1 attempt didn't define his exceptional racing abilities.