Michael Schumacher ‘still fighting’ says FIA president Jean Todt

Critically injured driving champion Michael Schumacher is “still fighting”, according to an update from former Ferrari chief Jean Todt.

The German driver - who raced in Formula 1 for Jordan Grand Prix, Benetton and Ferrari - was left in a coma after hitting his head in a skiing accident in the French Alps in December 2013. He later regained consciousness and was transferred from hospital to his home in Geneva.

On Monday, the seven-time F1 world champion was inducted into the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Hall of Fame. Schumacher was represented by his manager, Sabine Kehm, as his wife, Corinna, and his racing driver son, Mick, were overseas.

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Speaking at the event in Paris, Todt, who is president of the FIA, told the Daily Express: “We miss Michael. He’s there, still fighting. I’m happy to have Sabine here, to run the family business. I wanted Mick to come tonight but he’s doing some [car] testing in Spain and Corinna is in the States.

“A fight is going on. Michael is someone very special, someone special for motorsport. He’s special to me, he’s a friend.”

Kehm said the whole of motorsport wished Schumacher was there to lead the celebration.

“We all know that Michael should be here, and I’m sure he would have loved to,” said Kehm. “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.”

A year ago Schumacher’s family issued a statement saying his condition would remain private. It said: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.

“We have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere.”