Wilhelm "Willi" Friedrich Weber (born 11 March 1942 in Regensburg, Germany) is a former manager of several German racing drivers, including Michael Schumacher (until 2012), Ralf Schumacher (until November 2005), Nico Hülkenberg (until 2011), and Timo Scheider. He also held the franchise for A1 Team Germany.

Early career

Weber began honing his negotiating skills in his teenage years by buying and reselling used military uniforms. He later completed an apprenticeship in hotel management with the goal of eventually running his own restaurant. He went on to establish several successful businesses near Stuttgart, Germany, primarily through franchise operations. In 1983, Weber partnered with engineer Klaus Trella to launch the Formula 3 team WTS (Weber-Trella Stuttgart), where he took on the role of team manager. By 1988, the team celebrated a significant achievement, clinching the German F3 Championship title with driver Joachim Winkelhock.

Talent scout and manager

During a Formula Ford race at the Salzburgring in Austria, Weber observed Michael Schumacher, a young driver competing for the first time in that category, who won the race. Following this, Weber invited Schumacher to test a Formula 3 car in Hockenheim. Weber facilitated Schumacher's entry into the German F3 Championship, which was financially challenging for Schumacher due to his background. In his second season, Schumacher won the championship title. Weber's connections in motorsport, including a friend associated with Mercedes-Benz, helped Schumacher join their Junior Team in Group C racing, which provided support for Schumacher's debut in Formula One with Jordan Grand Prix in Spa in 1991. Schumacher's victory in the Formula One World Championship in 1994 increased the popularity of motor racing in Germany. After Schumacher's successful title defense in 1995, Weber decided to focus exclusively on Formula One and sold his Formula 3 team. Weber negotiated contracts for Schumacher, who became one of the highest-earning athletes in sports. Schumacher won an additional five titles in the 21st century.

Outside motorsport

Weber's management firm, situated near Stuttgart Airport, has represented iconic models like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell. In 1999, he launched a restaurant named Weber's Gourmet im Turm at the Fernsehturm Stuttgart. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed its doors after just a few years of operation.