MICHAEL Schumacher's friend has insisted "no one knows" the former F1 champ's situation even if they claim to.
The racing legend has not been seen in public since suffering a near-fatal brain injury when skiing in the French Alps a decade ago.
Schumacher's state of health has also been shrouded in secrecy since his horrific accident.
His wife Corinna has overseen the effort to ensure his wish for privacy is respected as he continues to recover from the ski crash.
Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma and since being brought out of it has been cared for at the family's Lake Geneva home.
One of the few people allowed to visit Schumacher is Jean Todt, who was the boss at Ferrari during Schumacher's dominance with the team.
Todt has now called for Schumacher's family to be given privacy as he acknowledged the heartbreaking consequences of his accident.
He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "Let's leave him alone.
"We respect the privacy wishes of Corinna and her children, although we know of course that the accident had consequences.
"But anyone who says he knows something, knows nothing.
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"I always go to see him. He and his family are my family."
It comes after ex-F1 boss Eddie Jordan said Schumacher's beloved wife has been "like a prisoner" as she tirelessly fights to keep his health a secret.
Eddie – who gave Schumacher his big break in F1 with Jordan Grand Prix back in 1991 – said the constant battle and pressure has left Corinna almost like a "prisoner".
Not long after Michael's crash, Eddie was refused a visit by Corinna to see his friend – a move he said he fully understands and backs amid the intense interest surrounding the stricken ace.
Eddie told The Sun: "This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna.
"It's been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that, she's like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn't need reminding of it every minute."
Corinna is understood to have imposed a "family only" rule on visits with Michael.
And one of the only people outside their immediate circle who is allowed to visit him is F1 chief and ex-Ferrari boss Todt.
Michael was left in a medically induced coma after his accident while skiing off piste on December 29, 2013 – spending months in hospital before being released home.
He is reported to have suffered a traumatic injury to his brain – but little other info has been released on his health.
The lack of official updates has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from "insiders" about his slow progress.
Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
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The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
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