Former Ferrari Team Principal and current FIA President, Jean Todt has stated Michael Schumacher is "still fighting" as the German Formula 1 legend recovers from severe head injuries suffered in a skiing crash almost four years ago.
The Frenchman made the remarks as all former F1 champions were inducted into the newly created FIA Hall of Fame on Monday in Paris, with Schumacher, of course, the most successful in history with seven world titles to his name.
Todt would also speak at length about his memories with the now 49-year-old and assured everyone he continues in his efforts to make a miraculous recovery.
"We miss Michael. He's there, still fighting. A fight is going on. Michael is someone very special, someone special for motorsport. He's special to me, he's a friend." he said, according to the Daily Express.
In a revealing story, Todt would recall how, mere weeks after becoming world champion for the third time in 2000, Schumacher's own self-doubt led him to feel the need to prove himself of his own abilities behind the wheel.
"I remember when he was driving for Ferrari and there are two things I will mention," he began. "In 2000, after 21 years, Ferrari was the champion with Michael and I took him to the podium and I said 'Michael, our racing life will never be the same'. Clearly that day at Suzuka, that has been the strongest moment in my career.
"[But] another thing to show what Michael is like: when we were starting the 2001 season, he asked me, quite shy because he's a shy guy, he looks arrogant but he's shy, he asked me, 'would you allow me to do some testing in Fiorano to make sure I am still able to drive?'
"He was always full of doubt, whether he was a good driver or not. He made his testing and he was not too bad," he concluded.
Updates on the condition of Schumacher remain few, with manager Sabine Kehm insisting the emphasis is on maintaining his privacy, but she was in Paris for the event earlier this week and claimed Michael would have been thrilled by the recognition he and the other champions received.
"We all know that Michael should be here, and I'm sure he would have loved to," Kehm said. “He always had the utmost respect for everyone in this round, he would be very honoured.
“What made Michael so special, what made him so successful, that was the love of the sport and that connects him with everyone here."
