Schumacher’s privacy remains absolute
More than twelve years after the terrible skiing accident that Michael Schumacher suffered while on vacation in the French Alps, fans still have no news — and likely never will — regarding his health. The German champion lives under a network of extremely strict rules and prohibitions, established by his wife Corinna, to protect his privacy above all else.
Recently, former Red Bull engineer and long-time friend of the Ferrari legend, Richard Hopkins, revealed some of the names of the “chosen few” who are allowed to visit Schumacher.
Over the years, the Schumacher family has faced numerous threats, including one by former security guard Markus Fritsche, who committed a massive breach of trust by threatening to release confidential medical documents unless he was paid £12 million. Since then, only a very small circle of highly trusted individuals is allowed near the German. According to Metaspins Sport, Hopkins stated: “Besides his closest family, there are only two, three, or four people I know who are allowed to see him, but there are probably others as well. He receives visits from a small group of people, including former F1 head Jean Todt, former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn, and drivers Gerhard Berger, Felipe Massa, and Luca Badoer.”
“Michael was friends with people who weren’t F1 team owners or drivers, so I’m sure there are people who probably see him that we don’t know about, because we don’t know their names. I’m sure he isn’t guarded by armed personnel at the door of his bedroom. But there are fairly strict rules, and we don’t talk about them.”
Richard Hopkins concluded his remarks by saying: “I won’t try to visit Michael, because I know it won’t be possible. If you’re Jean Todt, your friendship is at a level where everything is allowed. I don’t think there’s a written rule or a list of names. It’s just one of those things that people know.”
As the legendary Michael Schumacher continues his recovery in total privacy, the revelations from Richard Hopkins highlight the unwavering loyalty of a small group of F1 icons like Jean Todt and Ross Brawn who remain by his side.
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