MICHAEL SCHUMACHER'S wife broke down in tears as the Formula One legend was honoured with an award at an emotional ceremony.
The 53-year-old German, who won the drivers championship seven times between 1994 and 2004, has not been seen publicly since his horrific, life-altering skiing accident in 2013.
And since then his family have kept his condition private.
However, on Wednesday the Ferrari icon was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
His son Mick, who drives for F1 outfit Haas, was unable to attend due to illness.
But Michael's wife Corinna, 53, and daughter Gina-Maria, 25, were present to accept the honour on his behalf.
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They were joined on stage by former FIA President and Ferrari chief Jean Todt.
Those in attendance at the ceremony paid tribute to Schumacher with a standing ovation.
And the gesture led to Corinna breaking down in tears in what was an incredibly poignant moment.
After the event, Todt tweeted: "An emotional ceremony in Cologne to honour Michael Schumacher's outstanding career and charitable streak with Corinna, Gina, Mick Schumacher and Henrik Wust.
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"I met Michael 30 years ago, with Ferrari, living his passion and bringing joy to millions of us!"
Reacting to the standing ovation, Todt later told Bild: "That's just natural. No one planned it to be so emotional that tears were shed by Corinna, but sometimes it's good to not always control yourself."
Todt recently gave F1 fans a rare update on Schumacher's condition.
He told German TV channel RTL: "I don't miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it's true, I watch races with Michael.
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"But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together."
The iconic racer started 306 Grands Prix during his illustrious career, winning on 91 occasions.
He raced for 15 years between 1991 and 2006, before making a short return in 2010 when he drove for Mercedes for three seasons.
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