Over a decade after Ferrari’s last great victory streak back in the early 2000s, Ferrari Scuderia ex-boss Jean Todt shared a rare health update regarding one of the sport’s most dominant drivers ever — Michael Schumacher.
The seven-time-world champion, who is currently tied for the ‘winningest’ position with Lewis Hamilton, continues to recover from a tragic skiing accident in the French Alps back in 2013, which left him with severe brain injuries.
Saved from death by his helmet, Schumacher was put into a medical coma, after which his condition, which indicated paralysis and being wheelchair-bound, became one of the Formula 1 world’s most closely-guarded secrets. For years, Michael’s wife Corinna Schumacher has preferred to treat her husband privately at their home in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Schumacher name continues on, however. Mick Schumacher has taken up his father’s legacy behind the wheel of HAAS, wearing the Schumacher dragon motif on his helmets throughout his competitive career. Todt, meanwhile, who is closely associated with the Schumacher family and Ferrari, spoke with German outlet Bild regarding recent visits to the legendary driver.
“I’m happy that the fans, not only in Germany, think of him so much,” he said. “People ask so much about Michael. The fans should know that he is in the best of hands, in the best situation he can be and surrounded by people who love him.”
Todt’s words came just weeks after Schumacher was honoured with the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia. Corinna, pictured above, burst into tears as she accepted the award on his behalf, joined by daughter Gina-Maria, 25. Todt was also on stage to support the family.
Todt previously shared details about the star’s condition and said he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again, adding Schumacher has ”never changed”. He continued: “I don‘t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we‘ve had so many experiences together. The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on. Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He‘s so strong.”
The French septuagenarian started off his own career in motorsports as a rally co-driver from the 60s to the 80s. After a long stint with Peugeot’s sport division, he became the General Manager of Scuderia Ferrari from 1994-2007, where he fostered a lifelong fatherly friendship with Schumacher and became one of the Italian team’s greatest-ever staffers.
Since his heydays, Todt has served as CEO and as a Special Advisor at Ferrari, and now serves as President of the FIA.
In a heart-warming addition, Todt also revealed to German TV channel RTL that he often watches races with the 53-year-old ex-driver, keeping him company even after his terrible accident.
“I don‘t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael,” said Todt. “But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
Lead Image: Formula 1
