Stricken Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is following the progress of his son’s rise to F1, claims his close friend and former Ferrari chief Jean Todt.
The FIA president’s words are the strongest indication yet that Schumacher is conscious after his life-changing 2013 skiing accident.
The racing icon suffered devastating brain injuries whilst skiing off-piste seven years ago while on holiday in the French Alps and his condition has been closely guarded by his family.
Michael Schumacher suffered devastating brain injuries in a skiing accident in 2013
The seven-time Formula One champion was in a coma for six months after the accident
FIA president Jean Todt has given an indication that Schumacher might be conscious
Todt, who enjoyed a hugely successful period at Ferrari alongside seven-time champion Schumacher, regularly visits him and recently said he is ‘still fighting’ to get better.
His health condition remains unknown but Schumacher, who is continuing his long recovery at a luxury $40million villa in Majorca his wife bought three years ago from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, is said to be monitoring his son’s driving career from his bed.
21-year-old Mick is currently competing in FIA Formula 2 but is tipped to follow in his father’s footsteps by jumping up to Formula 1 with Haas next year.
Asked if he was able to follow his son’s progress, Todt told RTL France: ‘Of course he is following him.
‘Mick is probably going to race in Formula 1 next year which will be a great challenge. We would be delighted to have a new Schumacher at the highest level of motor racing.’
The 74-year-old remained coy out of respect for Schumacher and his family’s privacy when asked if he could update the world on how the F1 icon is doing.
‘This is a question on which I am going to be extremely reserved,’ he added.
‘I see Michael very often – once or twice a month. My answer is the same all the time – he fights.
The condition of Schumacher, pictured with his wife Corinna, has been guarded by his family
Todt said Schumacher has been following his son Mick’s rise to F1 – the 21-year-old, pictured here winning the F2 Sprint Race of Hungary last year, is tipped to move to F1 with Haas in 2021
Mick Schumacher drives the Ferrari F2004 of his father’s before the Tuscany GP in September
Schumacher is pictured with his young son Mick on a Honda motorbike some years ago
‘He is very well cared for and in a place that is very comfortable. We can only wish for him and his family that things get better.’
Todt has also previously said that he ‘watches TV’ with Schumacher when he visits him.
However, In September renowned neurosurgeon Erich Riederer claimed Schumacher is likely to be in a vegetative state and that there is little chance of him ever making a full recovery – though it is not clear if he has visited the former F1 driver or what information his opinion was based off.
It was revealed earlier this year that Schumacher, who was in a coma for six months after the accident, is to have stem cell surgery from an esteemed doctor in a bid to revive his nervous system.
At this time, it is not known whether the surgery took place or if he has benefited from it.
During his illustrious career, Schumacher established himself as a true F1 great breaking and setting numerous records.
Ex-Ferrari CEO Todt (right) visits Schumacher regularly and says he is fighting to get better
The stunning Majorca pad where the racing legend is continuing his long recovery (pictured), features two swimming pools, a large garden, a helipad, a guest villa and unrivalled sea views
Lewis Hamilton was handed one of Schumacher’s racing helmets by the German’s son Mick after matching his record of 91 wins at the Eifel Grand Prix earlier this month
His record of 91 wins was equalled and then broke earlier this month by the sport’s modern-day dominant force Lewis Hamilton.
After drawing level with Schumacher by winning the Eifel Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver was handed one of Schumacher’s racing helmets by the German’s son Mick.
Hamilton said: ‘Michael was just so far ahead, it was beyond my wildest dreams that I could be here today having equalled this record.
‘Naturally everyone knows that he is an icon and a legend of the sport. What he achieved in so many areas, pushing the limit in terms of the physicality side, he really was a pioneer in being the fittest driver at the time.
‘What he did for both the teams that he was at, particularly at Ferrari, was just remarkable.’
Last weekend Hamilton also equalled his record of seven Drivers’ Championships after claiming victory at the Turkish Grand Prix.
The Brit equalled Schumacher’s record of seven world championships by winning Turkish GP