As the ten-year anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s tragic skiing accident approaches, Jean Todt, his former Ferrari boss and close family friend, shares a poignant reflection on the legendary driver. Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, has been absent from the public eye since the accident, leaving fans and the Formula 1 community in a state of somber reflection.
In a recent interview with France’s L’Equipe, Todt, who is among the few who regularly visit Schumacher, opened up about his relationship with the German icon. When asked if he misses his friend, Todt, 77, responded with a heartfelt sentiment, “Michael is here, so I don’t miss him.”
He acknowledged the profound changes in Schumacher’s life post-accident. “He is no longer the Michael from before. He is different and is beautifully supported by his wife and children who protect him,” Todt said, highlighting the strength and dedication of Schumacher’s family, including Mick, his son who has raced in F1 and today is the Mercedes reserve driver who will return to the race tracks in 2024 as Alpine’s Le Mans hope.
The details of Schumacher’s health following his December 2013 skiing fall in the French Alps have been closely guarded, known only to a select few. The severity of his brain injuries has obviously led to a drastically altered life for the once-dominant F1 figure. “His life is different now,” Todt explains, “and I have the privilege of being able to share moments with him. That’s all there is to say.”
Todt’s words paint a picture of a deep bond, altered by fate but not diminished. “Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago and he is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula 1,” he lamented, expressing a mix of gratitude for the moments shared and sorrow for the circumstances.
