Former Ferrari boss and FIA president Jean Todt has revealed that while legendary F1 champion Michael Schumacher is still with us, ‘his life is different’ in 2023 from how it was before the crash that took place nearly ten years ago in December 2013.
The seven-time F1 world champion was enjoying a family skiing holiday in the French Alps after announcing his second retirement from the sport when the accident occurred. Schumacher was navigating an off-piste descent with son Mick when he crashed, hitting his head on a rock and placing him in a life-threatening condition.
Schumacher was subsequently placed into a medically induced coma before being brought back to his family home in Switzerland in September 2014, where he has remained since, cared for by his wife Corinna.
Todt, who is an extremely close friend to Schumacher following their time spent together at Ferrari, recently spoke to L’Equipe about his condition, explaining: “Michael is here, so I don’t miss him.
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“[But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That’s all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”
The Schumacher family have prioritised privacy above all else since the accident with Corinna carefully controlling the extremely small circle that is allowed to visit Michael at his home. Todt is one such friend and the 77-year-old has given a handful of insights down the years.
Speaking to German newspaper Bild in 2022, Todt said: “As long as I am in this world, I will always visit her (Corinna). Sometimes we see each other three times a week, sometimes not for a whole month. They are my friends and we are in constant contact. Whatever I can do for the Schumacher family, I’ll do it.”
29 December 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Schumacher’s accident and will be an emotional day for F1 fans who still cherish the memories of the seven-time world champion, both on and off the race track.
To honour the anniversary, German production company ARD is releasing a five-part documentary series that will delve into the journey of the legendary former Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes racer, while also collecting insights from a variety of other F1 drivers and personalities.
