MICHAEL Schumacher is in the “best hands” as he continues recover from his horror ski crash, said his close pal Jean Todt.
Todt – who was the boss at Ferrari during the F1 driver’s dominance with the team – is one of the only people still allowed to see Schumacher.
Michael Schumacher celebrates with Jean Todt on the podium in 2006
Michael’s health remains shrouded in mystery as he has not been seen or heard from since an accident while skiing in the Alps in December 2013.
The 53-year-old racer is feared to be never be the same again after suffering a brain injury which left him a medically induced coma for six months.
And since being released home, there have been very few concrete updates on his health.
But his pal Todt has offered a few brief glimpse into Schuey’s life as he revealed he still sees the stricken F1 legend “three times a week”.
The 76-year-old thanked Michael’s fans for their devotion and assured them their beloved icon is in “the best hands”.
And he said that the 91-time race winner is surrounded by people who care for him and love him.
Todt has previously described the F1 ace as living with the “consequences” of his crash – but has never given up hope.
The executive was a key part of the Ferrari team that saw the German win five world titles from 2000 to 2004.
And he was reported to have been a regular visitor at the Ferrari and Mercedes racer’s bedside after his ski crash, with F1 champ Niki Lauda describing the pair as having a “deep and respectful friendship”.
Todt is believed to be one of the only people outside of the immediate family who goes to see Schumacher.
It is believed Michael’s wife Corinna has imposed a “family only” rule – with Schumacher’s first F1 boss Eddie Jordan revealing last week he was blocked from seeing him.
Todt told Bild: “I’m happy that the fans, not only in Germany, think of him so much.
“People ask so much about Michael. The fans should know that he is in the best of hands.
“In the best situation he can be and surrounded by people who love him.”
He added: “As long as I am in this world, I will always visit him.
“Sometimes we see each other three times a week, sometimes not for a whole month.
“They are my friends and we are in constant contact. Whatever I can do for the Schumacher family, I’ll do it.”
And the ex-FIA president previously told how he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again.
He added Schumacher has “never changed”.
He continued: “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together.
Schumacher is regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time
“The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
“Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
He also revealed Schumacher still loves to watch Formula One races – with his son Mick currently competing in the sport with Haas.
“I miss is what we used to do together,” added Todt.
Schumacher’s pal Jordan – who gave Michael his F1 debut back in 1991 – last week spoke about the racer.
“So, there was connection and I reached out and one stage asked was it appropriate and did I think we should go and visit him,” the Dubliner told the Irish Daily Mirror.
“The answer was no. No visitations for anyone at that moment except the actual direct family.
“However, since then, young Mick Schumacher – Michael’s son – has reached out to me, and he has been extraordinary.”
Schumacher was recruited for the Jordan team as a last minute replacement for an existing driver, who had been jailed for assault.
The then rookie 22-year-old had in fact only driven an F1 car for the first time a few days before the race.
The Jordan car he drove at the Belgian Grand Prix remains in Schumacher’s private collection.
Corinna broke down in tears last month as her husband was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
And the family are reported to be preparing to start spending the winter months at a property in Majorca – having “big plans” for their “new life”.
Michael is one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, dominating the sport in the early 2000s after rising to power in the 90s.
He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012 – a second act of his career which saw him become instrumental in setting up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team.
The German won five world championships with Ferrari and two for Benetton.
Schumacher retired in 2012, but just a year later he was involved in the life-changing ski crash.
