Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt provides update on Michael Schumacher as German great honoured
In the aftermath of accusations made against Michael Schumacher's family by former agent Willi Weber, former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has revealed he still sees the seven-time F1 champion.
Speaking to German TV channel RTL, Todt said he still spends time with Schumacher and that the German great watches Formula One at home as he continues his recovery from a horror skiing accident.
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When asked if he missed Schumacher, Todt said:
"I don't miss Michael, I see him," he said.
"Yes, it's true, I watch races with Michael. But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together."
The comments come as reports claim the champion's son, Mick Schumacher, did not accompany his family as the Haas driver's legendary father was honoured in his native Germany.
Schumacher's wife Corinna, attended the ceremony along with Mick's sister Gina-Maria and Todt.
Corinna Schumacher, wife of former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher with her daughter Gina Schumacher and Jean Todt attend the awarding of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Prize to Michael Schumacher at Motorworld Köln on July 20, 2002 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images) Getty
An emotional Corinna broke down in tears amid the standing ovation as her absent 53-year-old husband was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia - the local jurisdiction of his birthplace.
"That's just natural," Todt, said of Corinna's tears to Bild newspaper.
"No one planned it to be so emotional that tears were shed by Corinna, but sometimes it's good to not always control yourself."
German publications reported the reason for Mick's absence was an upset stomach but that it will not prevent the 23-year-old from racing his Haas in France this weekend.
Corinna wipes away tears during the ceremony. Getty
"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," Todt said of Mick Schumacher's form.
"What I really wish for him is the chance to drive the best car," he added. "Then he will be able to win races and titles."
Todt's comments come after Weber told La Gazzetta dello Sport this week, that he has been prevented from visiting the former champion, accusing his family of telling "lies".
Mick Schumacher did not attend because he was reportedly sick. Getty
"I tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna and she didn't answer," the 80-year-old said.
"I called Jean Todt to ask him if I should go to the hospital and he told me to wait – it's too early.
Jean Todt with Schumacher during their racing days. Getty
"I called the next day and no one answered. I didn't expect behaviour like that and I'm still angry about it. They kept me out, telling me it's too early, well now it's too late. It's been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is.
"I could understand the situation initially as I always did everything I could for Michael to protect his private life. But since then we have only heard lies from them."
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