Michael Schumacher latest: F1 star’s friend reveals sad news – ‘I wish it was different’

The F1 star’s health has been a closely guarded secret since he was seriously hurt in a skiing accident in 2013.

But his friend Jean Todt, who is president of the motor sport governing body FIA, said he visits the seven-time world champion “at least twice a month”.

Mr Todt, who worked alongside the racing ace throughout the bulk of his glittering career, is one of the few people that is allowed to visit the F1 driver at his home following the accident.

He said: “I simply say it is private. I see Michael, I love Michael. I see his family.

“I wish the situation would be different.”

Mr Todt also opened up about his special memories with the F1 star.

He was the director of the Ferrari Formula 1 team from 1993 to 2007 and was one of the first to witness the successes of Schumacher, who won five consecutive world championships with the Scuderia.

The motorboss said his “best memory” was when Schumacher became world champion after 21 years in 2000.

Mr Todt also fondly referred to the racing legend as one of his “darlings” when pointing to a photo of his family.

He told The Times: “That’s my three darlings. Michael, Michelle and my son. I think this picture was when I won the French award called Légion d’Honneur.

“They came to the celebration. They all love each other, which is something that is also special to me.”

While skiing across an area that was not on piste, Schumacher hit his head on a rock and underwent two life-saving brain operations. 

The German driver was placed in a medically induced coma for nearly six months but then in June 2014 was discharged from hospital and has since been receiving medical care at home.

Michael Schumacher’s medical bills are said to cost £115,000 a week.

However, his recovery and current condition has been shrouded in secrecy – with official updates few and far between.

The racing legend has reportedly been left paralysed following the tragic ski accident but those claims are unconfirmed.

Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg