‘The accident had consequences… I go and see him, nobody knows anything’: Michael Schumacher’s close friend Jean Todt, who visits once a month, gives a rare insight into his state – and calls for privacy for his wife Corinna
- Jean Todt has given a rare comment about Michael Schumacher’s condition
- Schumacher has not been seen publicly since his skiing accident back in 2013
- Former FIA President Todt has called for Schumacher’s family to given privacy
Former FIA President Jean Todt has acknowledged Michael Schumacher’s accident has had consequences, but has called for the Formula One legend’s family to be left alone.
Schumacher had a skiing accident in December 2013 and was put in a medically induced coma.
He was later moved to the family’s Lake Geneva home in September 2014 where a team of medical staff now support his wife Corinna in looking after him.
Schumacher’s condition has been closely guarded by his family, with the German not seen in the public eye since his accident.
Todt, who reportedly sees the seven-time F1 champion once a month, has called for privacy for Corinna.
Michael Schumacher (pictured in 2005) hasn’t been in public since a skiing accident in 2013
Jean Todt, right, became close friends with Michael Schumacher during their time at Ferrari
Todt, the former FIA President, has called for Schumacher and his family to be left alone
‘Let’s leave him alone,’ Todt told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
‘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.
‘I always go to see him. He and his family are my family.’
Todt, 77, enjoyed a successful relationship with Schumacher when he served as Ferrari chief executive.
Schumacher won five consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004 during Todt’s time in charge.
Todt has reportedly watched Formula One races with Schumacher during his visits.
Last month, Eddie Jordan claimed Schumacher’s wife Corinna has lived ‘like a prisoner’ to keep his condition secret.
Jordan revealed last year that his plans to visit Schumacher had been vetoed by the family.
Corinna has shunned speaking publicly about her husband but did shed some light on her struggles in a documentary on his life which aired in 2022.
‘Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength, I find,’ Corinna said.
Schumacher won five straight F1 world titles at Ferrari under Todt from 2000 and 2004
Schumacher’s wife Corinna (pictured together skiing in 2005) has kept his condition private
‘We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.
‘And no matter what, I will do everything I can. We all will. We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
‘”Private is private”, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible.
‘Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.’
Schumacher’s son Mick is now a reserve driver for Mercedes, having been let go from Haas F1 last summer.
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