FORMER F1 boss Jean Todt has opened up on his shut friendship with Michael Schumacher, as one of many solely individuals nonetheless allowed to see the stricken star.
Schumacher, who gained the drivers championship seven instances between 1994 and 2004, has not been seen publicly since his horrific, life-altering snowboarding accident in 2013.
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The information shocked the sporting world and since then his household have determined to maintain the 53-year-old German’s situation personal.
However Todt, 76, has now confirmed in an interview with German TV channel RTL that he and Michael watch F1 races collectively when he visits the seven-time champ.
Former FIA and Ferrari F1 boss Todt stated: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Sure, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
“However certain, I assume what I miss is what we used to do collectively.”
And his previous workforce boss nonetheless visits him twice a month, describing the legend as “so robust”.
“I don’t go away him alone,” Todt added.
“Him, Corinna, the household, we’ve had so many experiences collectively. The great thing about what we have now skilled is a part of us and it goes on.
“Generally success and cash modifications you. However Michael has by no means modified. He’s so robust.”
Throughout their shared time at Ferrari, Schumacher gained 5 consecutive F1 world titles from 2000 to 2004.
It comes as Schumacher’s spouse broke down in tears with the F1 legend was honoured with an award at an emotional ceremony 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 attributable to sickness.
However Michael’s spouse Corinna, 53, and daughter Gina-Maria, 25, had been current to just accept the honour on his behalf.
And so they had been joined on stage by none apart from Todt himself.
These in attendance on the ceremony paid tribute to Schumacher with a standing ovation.
And the gesture led to Corinna breaking down in tears in what was an extremely poignant second.
After the occasion, Todt tweeted: “An emotional ceremony in Cologne to honour Michael Schumacher’s excellent profession and charitable streak with Corinna, Gina, Mick Schumacher and Henrik Wust.
“I met Michael 30 years in the past, with Ferrari, dwelling his ardour and bringing pleasure to tens of millions of us!”
The ceremony was organised to honour the lifetime of one of many best – if not the best – drivers of all time.
The long-lasting racer began 306 Grands Prix throughout his illustrious profession, profitable on 91 events.
He raced for 15 years between 1991 and 2006, earlier than making a brief return in 2010 when he drove for Mercedes for 3 seasons.