Former Ferrari Boss Jean Todt Says Michael Schumacher Will Not Be Able To Drive An F1 Car Again
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Jean Todt has reportedly recently paid injury-stricken Michael Schumacher a visit at his home in Switzerland. The 68-year-old French motor sport executive has said that Schumacher will be able to live a "relatively normal life" albeit not in the same capability as before.
With little information on Schumacher's current health condition, Todt has shared some news about the German racing ace in an interview with French media outlet RTL France. According to Todt, Schumacher can still lead a normal life, despite the illness he suffered from the skiing injury in December.
"We may assume that Schumacher can live a relatively normal life within a short period of time," Todt told RTL France. "What we can say is that he will probably never again drive a Formula One (F1) car," Todt added.
According to Todt, Schumacher continues to fight for his life. He said that Schumacher's condition is improving and it's a good thing that the 45-year-old seven-time world champion's family is there to support him as he recuperate from the serious trauma of the catastrophic skiing accident. Todt said that it is imperative that Schumacher's family stays close to him. Todt said Schumacher needs "time and rest."
Todt has also spoken to French sports newspaper L'Equipe following his visit to Schumacher. He believed that Schumacher has definitely made progress, mostly with regard to the austerity of his injury. Todt said he is aware how long and difficult the road to recovery is for Schumacher, but he is hopeful that F1 champion's condition will continue to improve.
Todt and Schumacher became good friends at Ferrari. Todt was the one who persuaded Schumacher to join the Ferrari team at the end of the 1995 season. Their relationship didn't stop in their successful Ferrari days. Todt has been a frequent visitor to Schumacher's bed side since the skiing accident.
Schumacher had suffered serious brain trauma from the skiing accident in the French Alps in December. For months, Schumacher has been put in a medically-induced a coma. In June, it was announced that Schumacher has already woken up from a coma. He was then moved to a rehabilitation clinic in Lausanne. Afterwards, Schumacher was moved to his home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation at home.