Michael Schumacher has driven around the Earth twice in an F1 car

In Texas, during what will go down as one of the absolute best inaugural Grand Prix weekends in series history, there was yet another Formula One record set by his lordship, the soon to retire Michael Schumacher of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 squad. And, no, it wasn't his finishing in 16th place and lapped by the leaders that got the attention. Nor was it his recent purchase of a 500-acre horse ranch in Texas.

While watching the broadcast television coverage, the chief commentator announced that, upon the completion of Lap 10 of the 5.5 kilometre (3.4-mile) Circuit of the Americas, Schumacher became the most traveled Formula One pilot in history. That lap saw him clock 80,000 kilometers – or 49,710 miles – in competition in an F1 car over 19 seasons. By the time he finishes the 2012 F1 season finale on November 25th, that'll be over two-times the 40,074 kilometre (24,901-mile) circumference of planet Earth driven in a Formula One car.

This feat outdistanced the record set by his former Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, though it is not known if Barrichello came to the Mercedes trailer after the race to congratulate the seven-time F1 champ. Rubens was, after all, a guest of honor over at the Ferrari compound.

Image Credit: Mark Thompson / Getty