This great friendship is inseparable: Even after Michael Schumacher’s serious skiing accident in 2013, Jean Todt never left his side. “I don’t miss Michael. I see him,” says the former FIA President and Ferrari team boss about his long-time companion in an RTL/ntv interview. And then adds: “But of course, what I probably miss is what we used to do together.” But they still do one thing then and now: “Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.”
After his moving laudatory speech for Michael Schumacher when he was honored with the State Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Todt admitted on the RTL/ntv microphone: “If it was emotional for you, then you can imagine how emotional it was for me. Emotional , but at the same time a great pride to be able to talk about Michael.”
And so Todt can’t stop raving: “Michael has created a chapter – not just in motorsport. What he has done for Germany, for racing and for society as a whole is unique.”
Todt kept coming back to special memories during the conversation: “Michael and my wife twice advertised a cosmetics company together and the slogan was ‘Because you’re worth it’. And Michael is worth it.” For him, the relationship with the F1 record world champion is more than just a friendship: “You have people around you who are simply special. And in a way Michael is also very special. Corinna, Mick and Gina are also special to me They’ve all become family to me, to my wife and to my son.”
Todt: Rare insight into private Schumacher memories
When Todt watches racing with Michael, they naturally have Michael’s son Mick in mind above all: “I’ve known Mick since he was born,” says Todt and reveals with a smile: “He’s closer to my wife than to me.” Michelle stayed at home when she knew Michael was coming with Mick. “Michelle and Mick ran after the chickens together.” A rare insight into private Schumacher-Todt memories.
When the now 23-year-old Mick finally achieved his best results in the premier class and scored points, the joy in the Todt family was of course great: “I was so happy when he scored points in the last two races,” he admits 76-year-old and speaks of “unfair pressure” that Mick was exposed to before. On the other hand, Mick is also “very blessed” to be able to do what he loves.
The potential of Schumi jr. depends solely on the car he drives, according to Todt. “I wish him the chance to drive the best car. And then he will be able to win races and titles.”
Corinna Schumacher is “steady, reliable and modest”
“Michael has a wonderful family,” Todt emphasizes again and again. The Frenchman also finds special words for Schumacher’s wife Corinna, who couldn’t hold back tears when honoring her husband: “She’s consistent, she’s reliable, she’s committed, she’s a modest doer. In difficult times, see you first meet the real person.”
And the real Michael Schumacher, Todt probably knows him better than anyone outside of the family. “Sometimes success and money change you,” says the 76-year-old. “But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”