Ex-Ferrari chief Jean Todt has revealed Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher is able to still watch races, in a rare update of the seven-time world champion’s health. Schumacher suffered a near-fatal accident whilst skiing in 2013, and since then updates on his wellbeing has been few and far between.
Whilst out on the French Alps nine years ago, the German star fell and hit his head on a rock, where he suffered swelling on the brain. Schumacher was then airlifted to hospital before being placed in a medically-induced coma for six months.
The seven-time world champion has not been seen in public since the accident, with updates on his condition and recovery rarely released.
Former Ferrari boss Todt though has given a rare insight into Schumacher’s life post-accident to German broadcaster NTV. He said: “I don't miss Michael. I can see him. But of course, what I miss is what we used to do together." Revealing that the 53-year-old still watches F1, he added: “Yes it's true - I watch the races with Michael."
There is of course added incentive for Schumacher to watch, with his son Mick now competing for Haas. It has been a monumental few weeks for the German who collected his first ever F1 points at Silverstone earlier this month after finishing eighth, before securing his highest ever finish in Austria a week later passing the chequered flag in sixth.
Discussing Schumacher’s Jr’s recent success, Todt added: “I was so happy when he finished in the points in the last two races. There has been a lot of unfair pressure on him. What I really wish for him is the chance to drive the best car. Then he will be able to win races and titles."
Unsurprisingly, the 23-year-old has plenty of pressure on his shoulders carrying the Schumacher name. Asked how he copes with the legacy of his father, he told Channel 4 : “I think the easiest way to answer that is to tell you why I’m here, and the reason why I’m here is because I love the sport.
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“I love racing, I love ultimately also winning. For me there was never a doubt that I wanted to race in Formula 1, no matter who my dad was, but he’s so much more to me as well.“He’s my dad and I’ve had a great upbringing and I’m able to evaluate where I need to put pressure on myself and where not.
“And I think that’s one of the things where I don’t need to put pressure on myself and that has been quite clear from day one that if I don’t want to do this I don’t have to – and I still want to do it and still want to make a name for myself as well and race well in Formula 1.”
