Michael Schumacher’s close friend and former boss Jean Todt gives new insight on his condition ten years on from his horror skiing accident: ‘He’s simply not the Michael he used to be’

• F1 icon Michael Schumacher was involved in a horrific skiing accident in 2013
• The seven-time world champion hasn’t appeared publicly in almost ten years

Former Ferrari and FIA chief Jean Todt has provided an update on the health of his former colleague and close friend Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher – who won seven F1 world championships – was involved in a tragic skiing accident in December 2013 that left him in a medically induced coma. 

He hasn’t appeared publicly since and the tenth anniversary of the accident is approaching. 

The German is cared for by a team of medical staff and his wife Corinna at their Lake Geneva home, but little has been made public about his condition.

Now Todt – who was Ferrari’s team principal when Schumacher won five consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004, before serving as its CEO from 2004 to 2008 – gave a rare insight into how Schumacher is getting on.

Jean Todt has provided an update on the health of his former colleague Michael Schumacher 

Todt – pictured with Schumacher in 2007 – was Ferrari’s team principal when the F1 ace won five world titles in a row from 2000 to 2004, and was then its CEO until 2008

‘Michael is here, so I don’t miss him,’ Todt, who continues to visit Schumacher at his house in Switzerland, told L’Equipe. 

‘(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 1.’ 

Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, having claimed the world title in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.

He also added 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums to his name during his iconic racing career.

Schumacher’s family remain very protective of his privacy and it is understood that many of their close friends and relations are even unsure about the state of his health.

However, in the Netflix documentary ‘Schumacher’, which aired in 2021, his wife Corinna did provide a rare update.

She revealed he continues to undergo rehabilitation for the life-changing injuries he suffered and claimed he is now ‘different, but here’.

Fans are set to be offered a rare glimpse into the F1 legend’s life this month with a new five-part documentary by German broadcaster ARD, which will air on December 28, marking 10 years since the horrific skiing accident. 

Although final details of the documentary are unclear, it is expected to look into his rise to prominence in the sport, while it could also offer more insight into what happened with the accident and how he is now getting on. 

Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time and won seven world titles

Schumacher in 2005 with his wife Corinna, who cares for him at their Lake Geneva home

Todt’s comments on Schumacher also come after he threw his support behind the legal challenge by Felipe Massa over the 2008 world title last week.

Speaking to Italian outlet La Stampa, the 77-year-old claimed the infamous Singapore Grand Prix that season was ‘rigged’.

He said: ‘I don’t get into the controversy. For him (Massa), psychologically, it was very hard. 

‘Maybe we (the FIA) could have been tougher when the story came out. There is no doubt that the Singapore Grand Prix was rigged and should have been cancelled.’ 

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