Jean Todt and the Schumacher family have accepted the highest civilian honour on behalf of Michael Schumacher in his home state.
The seven-time world champion was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia for his achievements and his broader contributions through charity work during his career.
Michael’s wife Corinna and daughter Gina were on hand as well as Todt, who was team boss at Ferrari during Schumacher’s ultra-successful time at the Scuderia between 1996-2006.
And the Frenchman spoke publicly about his past and his present relationship with the 53-year-old.
“I don’t miss Michael, I see him,” Todt told RTL. “Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael, but sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
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On collecting the award, he added: “If it was emotional for you, you can imagine how emotional it was for me. Emotional, but at the same time a great pride to be able to talk about Michael.”
Todt also revealed how the close connection has grown to incorporate the entire Schumacher family over the years.
“You have people around you who are just special and in a way, Michael is also very special.
“Corinna, Mick and Gina have also become special to me. They have all become family to me, to my wife and to my son.
“She [Corinna] is steady, she is reliable, she is dedicated, she is humble. It’s in difficult times you see the real person.”
An emotional Ceremony in Cologne to honour Michael @schumacher’s outstanding career & charitable streak with Corinna, Gina, @SchumacherMick & PM @HendrikWuest. I met Michael 30 yrs ago, with @ScuderiaFerrari, living his passion & bringing joy to millions of us! @keepfighting pic.twitter.com/GipU214VEf
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) July 20, 2022
On the charity and other society-based work for which Michael was given the award, Todt concluded: “Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
Bloomberg estimated Schumacher gave $50m to charity between 2002-2006, while he also worked closely with the FIA and UN on promoting road safety.