Jean Todt Remains at Schumacher’s Bedside as Family Limits Access
FIA president Jean Todt continues his regular visits to Michael Schumacher in Grenoble, as the family restricts access to the former world champion’s hospital room.
Jean Todt, president of the FIA and former Ferrari team principal, has returned to the bedside of Michael Schumacher at the Grenoble hospital, nearly a month after Schumacher’s skiing accident left him in a coma. Todt’s visits underline the close personal bond that developed between the two during their years together at Ferrari, where Schumacher secured five of his seven Formula One world titles.
Schumacher’s condition remains critical, with the former champion still in a medically induced coma following his accident in late December 2013. Family and management have kept updates sparse, focusing on privacy and discouraging speculation about his prognosis. According to German media, the Schumacher family’s lawyers have issued warnings to journalists and publications to avoid conjecture regarding the likelihood of recovery or long-term outcome.
Only a small circle of Schumacher’s closest friends and family are permitted at his bedside. His wife, Corinna Schumacher, is closely managing access, allowing visits only from those with a longstanding and personal relationship with the seven-time world champion. Todt, who now heads Formula One’s governing body, is among the few granted this privilege, reflecting the depth of their friendship formed during Ferrari’s dominant early-2000s era.
Family and legal response to media coverage
The Schumacher family’s legal representatives have taken steps to protect his privacy, sending formal letters to media outlets and journalists, particularly in Germany, urging restraint and accuracy in reporting. The move follows a wave of speculation in the press about Schumacher’s chances of recovery, which the family considers both distressing and unfounded.
Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm, has reiterated that only those with a deep personal connection are being permitted to visit. This policy is intended to maintain calm and privacy for Schumacher and his family during a period of uncertainty. The family’s approach has been to release only essential updates, avoiding details about his medical status or daily progress.
Support from the racing community
Support for Schumacher continues from across the Formula One community, with Todt’s presence in Grenoble seen as a mark of respect and friendship. Schumacher’s relationship with Todt dates back to their time at Ferrari, where their collaboration produced one of the most successful periods in the sport’s history. The ongoing visits highlight the personal connections that persist beyond the racetrack, especially during times of crisis.
For more on Schumacher’s medical situation and the family’s response to media coverage, seeSchumacher's Condition Stabilises After Second Operation, Remains Critical.
