Jean Todt doesn't rule out Ferrari advisory role

Former FIA president Jean Todt has joined Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto in refusing to rule out the possibility of joining the Maranello team in an advisory role for the famous French motor racing executive. During the recent 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend at the Yas Marina track, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto was asked by the media about the news that Jean Todt might return to the Italian side, now that he has stept down as long-time FIA president, being replaced by Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“Jean Todt did very well as president of the FIA and he is a person I respect a lot. As a team, there is always a way to improve and being able to bring added value is always positive.” – Mattia Binotto replied, when asked about this possibility.

Now, 75-year-old Jean Todt, who was one of the most important figures for Scuderia Ferrari during the very successful Michael Schumacher era, is also not ruling out a return to Formula 1 and Maranello, despite admitting that for the moment there is no agreement between him and the Italian side:

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection from Puma!

“For now there is nothing” – he said, as reported by French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sport L’Equipe – “We have to be realistic. My commitment to road safety with the United Nations is, first and foremost, the most important. But I don’t close the door to other opportunities, as long as they are compatible with what I already do” – Jean Todt explained.

At the same time, Jean Todt was asked about his close friend and former Ferrari champion Michael Schumacher, who is still yet to be seen or heard from publicly since his late 2013 skiing fall. It is a well-known fact that Jean Todt is one of the few people who regularly visits the Schumacher family home and therefore has access to information regarding the health condition of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion:

“I miss Michael” – the Frenchman admitted – “It is very hard to not be able to have him here because he is part of my life and always will be,” Todt said in Paris. It is also difficult in this moment, because when I became FIA president, there were three people with me – my wife, my son, and Michael. And I will never forget that moment. For Michael, he has never stopped fighting and I miss him every single day. But he is still here. He is different, but he is here and that gives all of us his strength.” – Jean Todt concluded.