F1 great Michael Schumacher’s protective wife breaks down in TEARS during emotional awards ceremony
- F1 legend Michael Schumacher was awarded a top German prize for his contribution to German communities
- The 53-year-old’s wife Corinna cried after the crowd gave him a standing ovation
- Schumacher has been sheltered in his private Switzerland home since 2013
F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna broke down in tears on July 20 as her husband was honoured with a community award during a hugely emotional and moving ceremony.
The 53-year-old has been cloaked in secrecy from the public scene since his 2013 skiing accident, and his long-time wife Corinna and daughter Gina attended the ceremony in Cologne to pay tribute to her husbands contribution to life outside of sport.
Corinna, who has been fiercely protective of her husband – something that has been criticised by many of Schumacher’s friends – was visibly emotional on stage.
She was there alongside family and friends to receive the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia, which acknowledges Schumacher’s generosity and commitment to his native state, Germany.
Corinna Schumacher (left) and daughter Gina Schumacher (centre) with former Ferrari boss Jean Todt at the awarding of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Prize to Michael Schumacher
Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wust presented the award to the sobbing Mrs Schumacher, who has sheltered and cared for the former driver in his recovery.
‘Today we pay tribute above all to the person. A person with a big heart and for which it has always been important to think about others,’ the Prime Minister said.
‘Michael Schumacher also thought of those who are not wealthy. He quietly helped them with extremely generous donations and his family continues this charitable endeavour.’
Michael Schumacher jumps for joy after winning the French GP in 2004
Most notably, the German star donated $10million in 2005 to support the rebuild of communities affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
He also pledged $2.2million to the UNESCO and has funded many clinics and education systems for poor schools.
F1 Haas driver and superstar son, Mick Schumacher, was unable to attend the event due to feeling unwell.
Former Ferrari boss, and close friend of his star driver, Jean Todt, joined the two women on-stage and said Schumacher never forgot about his roots, regardless of his success and fame.
Corinna Schumacher (left) breaks down in tears alongside daughter Gina
Those who attended the ceremony gave a standing ovation to the star, which overwhelmed Mrs Schumacher, breaking out in tears.
‘An emotional ceremony in Cologne to honour Michael Schumacher’s outstanding career and charitable streak with Corinna, Gina and Prime Minister Hendrik Wuest. I met Michael 30 years ago, with Ferrari, living his passion and bringing joy to millions of us! Keep fighting’, Todt tweeted.
Former Ferrari F1 boss Jean Todt was at the ceremony that honoured Schumacher
Todt told German TV channel RTL that he is hopeful Schumacher will recover one day, saying he still sees the former driver and is close friends with the family.
Schumacher’s former manager Willi Weber have accused the family of telling ‘lies’ surrounding the icons health, saying he has been ignored hundreds of times when wanting to get in touch with Michael.