Michael Schumacher’s close friend gives rare update on F1 legend

Tom Sanders

Published February 5, 2025 10:43am Updated February 7, 2025 9:58am

Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt. German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher (R) of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and his team chief French Jean Todt (L) walk through the paddock after the Qualifying Session at the Japanese racetrack in Suzuka, Japan, Saturday 07 October 2006. Michael Schumacher clocked the second fastest time. The Japanese F1 Grand Prix will take place here on Sunday 08 October. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON epa00835355 — Michael Schumacher’s (R)best friend Jean Todt (L) has given an update on his condition (Picture: EPA)

Michael Schumacher’s close friend and former boss Jean Todt has given a rare update on the F1 legend’s condition after his horror skiing accident in 2013.

Schumacher, 56, has not been seen in public since his near-fatal accident left him with a severe brain injury, and his family have been ruthless about protecting his privacy.

Only a very select few people are allowed to visit the F1 star, and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt is one of them, recently revealing that he still makes regular visits to see Schumacher.

Speaking to La Repubblica, Todt said: ‘The family has decided not to answer the question (on his condition),’ Todt said. ‘A choice that I respect.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 19: Michael Schumacher of Germany and Ferrari talks to the media during a Shell Press Conference at the Transamerica Hotel during the previews to the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit on October 19, 2006 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) — Schumacher has not been seen in public since his devastating accident 13 years ago (Picture: Getty)

‘I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family.

‘Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.’

The news comes after Schumacher reportedly made his first public appearance since the accident last year, when he attended his daughter Gina’s wedding.

Gina tied the knot with her partner Iain Bethke at the family’s luxury villa in Majorca, and it was claimed that Schumacher was there to witness the ceremony.

FIA President Jean Todt speaks during a press conference before the FIA Prize Giving ceremony in Paris, France, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) — Jean Todt says he regualrly meets with Schumacher and remains friends with the F1 legend
(Picture: AP)

MAGNY COURS, FRANCE - JULY 21: GP von FRANKREICH 2002, Magny Cours; RENNTAG/SIEGEREHRUNG; JUBEL SIEGER und FORMEL 1 WELTMEISTER 2002 Michael SCHUMACHER/GER - FERRARI - mit RENNLEITER Jean TODT (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images) — Todt says he respects the family’s wishes for privacy (Picture: Getty)

The event was tightly managed to ensure that Schumacher’s privacy was respected, with guests forced to hand over their phones in order to prevent photos of the former driver leaking to the press or on social media.

But the rumours of his appearance were never confirmed, and his close friend and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert recently dismissed them as ‘fake news’.

Herbert told Flashscore in November: ‘It will always be a closed shop. The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding. Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.’

Schumacher is now set to become a grandfather, after his daughter announced she was pregnant.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the 27-year-old said: ‘Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.’

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