A close friend of Michael Schumacher has given a rare update on the health status of the F1 legend after his near-fatal skiing accident in 2013.
The seven-time world champion completely withdrew from the public eye after the horror incident, which saw him suffering devastating head injuries.
His current condition has been a closely guarded secret, with the 53-year-old’s family fiercely protective of his privacy.
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Of the few public updates on his status, most have been given by former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, who recently said he visits Schumacher up to three times a week.
Speaking over the weekend at a sports festival in Italy, Todt gave a rare update on Schumacher’s health, saying his family have had their “life changed” and now “live differently”.
He said: “For me, it is a privilege to be close, in the family with Michael, with [his wife] Corinna, with [his children] Mick and Gina.
“Their life changed on December 29, 2013. They have to live everything differently. The important thing is that there is the closeness of friends. And Keep Fighting, their foundation.
“They are things that are part of life, that they are more important than results and our beloved races. Life, for everyone, is not just racing ".
It comes just weeks after the former FIA President said he visits Schumacher up to three times a week.
The pair have been close friends since working together during their successful era at Ferrari, which saw Schumacher win five of his seven world titles.
Last month, Todt told German outlet Bild: “I’m happy that the fans, not only in Germany, think of him so much.People ask so much about Michael. The fans should know that he is in the best of hands. In the best situation he can be and surrounded by people who love him.
“As long as I am in this world, I will always visit him. 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.”
Todt previously said that he watches F1 races with Schumacher, whose son Mick is currently competing with Haas.
“I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch Grands Prix with Michael,” Todt told German broadcaster RTL.
Schumacher’s wife Corinna has fiercely protected his privacy in the eight-and-a-half years since the accident.
However, in a recent Netflix documentary she detailed how the family have dealt with the situation and continue to “get on with their lives.”
Corinna said: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength, I find. We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond. And no matter what, I will do everything I can. We all will.
“We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
‘Private is private’, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael.”
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