Schu wins Spanish sports award
With the most successful formula one career of all time now behind him, the 38-year-old German fended off 17 other nominees to receive the Spanish plaudit, which was won by local hero and reigning world champion Fernando Alonso two years ago.
Among the nominates this time were Russian pole vault world champion Yelena Isinbayeva and tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
"His career reflects the biggest successes in all categories," the prize committee, also noting Schumacher's humanitarian work and donations, said in a statement.
Dating back to 1981, the Prince of Asturias sports award has also been won by Carl Lewis (1996), Steffi Graf (1999), Lance Armstrong (2000), and the Spanish Basketball Team (2006).
Schumacher will receive 50,000 euros and a trophy in a ceremony in late October in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias and Alonso's home city.