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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two SCHUEY'S CIRCLE Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who 'regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva. Advertisement 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident. Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "Jean Todt, that's well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. Advertisement "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - Flavio Briatore. He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Advertisement "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. Advertisement "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia. Advertisement But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million. Advertisement Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot. Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. Advertisement She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. Advertisement The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1 "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Most read in Motorsport "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia . But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident : Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. January 2014 - Schumacher fights for his life : Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as 'critical but stable'. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world's F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital. June 2014 - Schumacher brought out of his coma : After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. September 2014 - Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team. 2015–2018 - Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together. May 2017 - German magazine sued by Schumacher's family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher's right to privacy. September 2019 - Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris : French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed. December 2019 - Manager issues rare statement : Schumacher's longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health. September 2021 - Netflix documentary 'Schumacher' released : A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: 'Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.' December 2023 - 10 years since the accident : Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as 'full of affection'. September 2024 - Daughter Gina's wedding : Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family's £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it 'A1 fake news'. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. December 2024 - Schumacher to become a grandfather : Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: 'Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.'
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside wild 90s F1 parties from driver downing so much vodka ‘he almost died' to Schumacher tearing his shirt off
Friends of Schumacher said he cut a different figure after a race - and 'there are some stories that you couldn't print' IN THE FAST LANE Inside wild 90s F1 parties from driver downing so much vodka 'he almost died' to Schumacher tearing his shirt off Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT IS a sport where fatal risks, extreme pressure and bitter rivalries are the norm. But off the track Formula One is a playboy's paradise decorated by yachts, supermodels and the millionaire high life. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Michael Schumacher celebrates with his race engineer Pat Symonds in Australia in November 1994 Credit: Alamy 5 Schumacher drinks a Koelsch beer at his anniversary party in the Mercedes GP motorhome at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps near Spa, Belgium, 27 August 2011 Credit: Alamy So it's little wonder many drivers have been known to party at top speed. And The Sun can exclusively lift the lid on the hellraising sessions that took place in the 90s, a wild era for the sport. Ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins recalled a time Mercedes legend Mika Hakkinen drank a whole bottle of vodka after a race in the late 90s, which left him 'almost dead.' Hopkins, head of operations at Red Bull from 2013 to 2015, told The Sun: 'Hakkinen drank a bottle of vodka in one Sunday night. 'I was like Jesus Christ, I never knew. I thought he might have a little sip or a shot or something, but to down a bottle of vodka? 'He wouldn't turn up the next day, which was a Monday so that was fine, but he had some media stuff the next day and you'd find out he was extraordinarily hungover. 'It was in Germany I think during the '98 or '99 season, probably Hockenheimring, it was during his Mercedes days and they had a function after. 'It was with his wife. His wife at the time would lead him astray a little bit, but Mika didn't need a lot to lead him astray. 'He was another who never enjoyed the media and always came across as very reclusive, but he certainly wasn't. 'You got him outside the race track, even at the race track, and what you saw on TV and in an interview was someone who said very few words. Emotional moment Michael Schumacher's son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend 'But he was a great practical joker, a great comedian. Good fun. And still is amazing fun.' He added: 'Mika was almost dead! But in fairness there was evidence he could handle that. He's Finnish and they like their vodka, so I think he had some decent stamina. 'But he wasn't really standing by the end of it, put it that way. None of us would be.' Hopkins would enjoy regular coffees with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher from 1993, when he was a mechanic at McLaren and the German was driving for Benetton. Seven-time title winner Schumacher developed a fearsome reputation on the track as a ruthless operator who would stop at nothing to win races. But friends say the German cut a different figure after a race - and "there are some stories that you couldn't print". Hopkins, from the UK, says the German was easily swayed by teammate and party animal, Eddie Irvine. The Northern Irishman would lead celebrations after a race, particularly if his Ferrari side had been victorious. Hopkins added: 'I don't know if he and Eddie were good friends. They just partied together. 5 Schumacher at the Amber lounge F1 after party in Dubai in November 2009 Credit: Alamy 5 Schumacher cracking open a bottle of champagne in Austalia in 1994 Credit: Alamy 'But Eddie could lead anybody astray, bloody hell. 'If Eddie saw an opportunity, where if somebody's won a race or a championship, then he was going to be in among it and quite happily buying the champagne and the vodka.' Schumacher was well-known among drivers for a famous party trick, where he'd jump them and rip off his shirt. Asked about this, Hopkins said: 'That wouldn't surprise me. I think they all needed to let their hair down at some point. 'Even Ayrton Senna and a lot of these guys, they let their hair down very well. There are some stories that you couldn't print. 'I've heard Schumacher partied on Bernie Ecclestone's rooftop. A lot of drivers are like coiled up springs, right? They spend the season coiling up and getting tense with everything. 'Schumacher, even though he was quite robotic and Germanic, allowed himself time to unwind. And Schumacher, for sure, did unwind. 'I can't tell you specifics of things I've seen. There were some good moments at a log cabin at Suzuka, which was renowned on a Sunday night. Lots of championships were won there, lots of parties were had there. 'There were a couple of years where I remember Schumacher and Irvine having quite a good time together. But I can't say more…' Christian Danner, the first Formula One driver disqualified for dangerous driving, also has memories of Schumacher letting loose. Danner, now a commentator on German TV, says Schumacher would love a cigar and a Bacardi and coke. What happened to Michael Schumacher? MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations. At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered. But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him. In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system. Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain. Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be "conscious", although few other details were given about his state. Bernie Ecclestone's motorhome was a known hotspot for drivers to get together for a party, he added. The ex-Arrows star told The Sun: 'Michael's way of partying was that he usually went to Bernie Ecclestone's private motorhome, had his friends there and drank a lot of Bacardi and Coca-Cola, and that was it. 'It wasn't, as far as I was concerned, partying, but the content of these kind of parties for him consisted of Bacardi and Coca-Cola, and that was all. 'He was back on his feet on Monday and kept on pushing, absolutely, but everybody did that. 'All the good drivers, all the champions did that.' Danner added: 'Ecclestone's home was a neutral territory. The paddock then was quite different. 'There were a lot of animosities between the teams, Williams and Ferrari for instance, there were a lot of bad vibes. 'But Ecclestone's motorhome was a place to meet casually. Not in Ecclestone's motorhome, he had his bus and that was for politics and business. 'It was a place for a chat, 'have you seen this' or whatever. It was a kind of trading place for gossip and for a nice coffee and a Bacardi and coke, for Schumacher.' He added: 'Schumacher loved a cigar, yes. 'But personally whenever someone is smoking a cigar, I'm leaving the room.' Schumacher suffered serious brain injuries in a devastating skiing accident in 2013. He has not been seen since and his family have not disclosed his condition.
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside wild 90s F1 parties from driver downing so much vodka ‘he almost died' to Schumacher tearing his shirt off
IT IS a sport where fatal risks, extreme pressure and bitter rivalries are the norm. But off the track Formula One is a playboy's paradise decorated by yachts, supermodels and the millionaire high life. Advertisement 5 Michael Schumacher celebrates with his race engineer Pat Symonds in Australia in November 1994 Credit: Alamy 5 Schumacher drinks a Koelsch beer at his anniversary party in the Mercedes GP motorhome at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps near Spa, Belgium, 27 August 2011 Credit: Alamy So it's little wonder many drivers have been known to party at top speed. And The Sun can exclusively lift the lid on the hellraising sessions that took place in the 90s, a wild era for the sport. Ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins recalled a time Mercedes legend Mika Hakkinen drank a whole bottle of vodka after a race in the late 90s, which left him 'almost dead.' Hopkins, head of operations at Red Bull from 2013 to 2015, told The Sun: 'Hakkinen drank a bottle of vodka in one Sunday night. Advertisement More on Schumacher 'I was like Jesus Christ, I never knew. I thought he might have a little sip or a shot or something, but to down a bottle of vodka? 'He wouldn't turn up the next day, which was a Monday so that was fine, but he had some media stuff the next day and you'd find out he was extraordinarily hungover. 'It was in Germany I think during the '98 or '99 season, probably Hockenheimring, it was during his Mercedes days and they had a function after. 'It was with his wife. His wife at the time would lead him astray a little bit, but Mika didn't need a lot to lead him astray. Advertisement Most read in Motorsport 'He was another who never enjoyed the media and always came across as very reclusive, but he certainly wasn't. 'You got him outside the race track, even at the race track, and what you saw on TV and in an interview was someone who said very few words. Emotional moment Michael Schumacher's son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend 'But he was a great practical joker, a great comedian. Good fun. And still is amazing fun.' He added: 'Mika was almost dead! But in fairness there was evidence he could handle that. He's Finnish and they like their vodka, so I think he had some decent stamina. Advertisement 'But he wasn't really standing by the end of it, put it that way. None of us would be.' Hopkins would enjoy regular coffees with Ferrari great Seven-time title winner Schumacher developed a fearsome reputation on the track as a ruthless operator who would stop at nothing to win races. But friends say the German cut a different figure after a race - and "there are some stories that you couldn't print". Advertisement Hopkins, from the UK, says the German was easily swayed by teammate and party animal, The Northern Irishman would lead celebrations after a race, particularly if his Ferrari side had been victorious. Hopkins added: 'I don't know if he and Eddie were good friends. They just partied together. 5 Schumacher at the Amber lounge F1 after party in Dubai in November 2009 Credit: Alamy Advertisement 5 Schumacher cracking open a bottle of champagne in Austalia in 1994 Credit: Alamy 'But Eddie could lead anybody astray, bloody hell. 'If Eddie saw an opportunity, where if somebody's won a race or a championship, then he was going to be in among it and quite happily buying the champagne and the vodka.' Schumacher was well-known among drivers for a famous party trick, where he'd jump them and rip off his shirt. Advertisement Asked about this, Hopkins said: 'That wouldn't surprise me. I think they all needed to let their hair down at some point. 'Even Ayrton Senna and a lot of these guys, they let their hair down very well. There are some stories that you couldn't print. 'I've heard Schumacher partied on Bernie Ecclestone's rooftop. A lot of drivers are like coiled up springs, right? They spend the season coiling up and getting tense with everything. 'Schumacher, even though he was quite robotic and Germanic, allowed himself time to unwind. And Schumacher, for sure, did unwind. Advertisement 'I can't tell you specifics of things I've seen. There were some good moments at a log cabin at Suzuka, which was renowned on a Sunday night. Lots of championships were won there, lots of parties were had there. 'There were a couple of years where I remember Schumacher and Irvine having quite a good time together. But I can't say more…' Christian Danner, the first Formula One driver disqualified for dangerous driving, also has memories of Schumacher letting loose. Danner, now a commentator on German TV, says Schumacher would love a cigar and a Bacardi and coke. Advertisement What happened to Michael Schumacher? MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but In 2019, it was said that Renowned Following Bernie Ecclestone's motorhome was a known hotspot for drivers to get together for a party, he added. The ex-Arrows star told The Sun: 'Michael's way of partying was that he usually went to Bernie Ecclestone's private motorhome, had his friends there and drank a lot of Bacardi and Coca-Cola, and that was it. 'It wasn't, as far as I was concerned, partying, but the content of these kind of parties for him consisted of Bacardi and Coca-Cola, and that was all. 'He was back on his feet on Monday and kept on pushing, absolutely, but everybody did that. Advertisement 'All the good drivers, all the champions did that.' Danner added: 'Ecclestone's home was a neutral territory. The paddock then was quite different. 'There were a lot of animosities between the teams, Williams and Ferrari for instance, there were a lot of bad vibes. 'But Ecclestone's motorhome was a place to meet casually. Not in Ecclestone's motorhome, he had his bus and that was for politics and business. Advertisement 'It was a place for a chat, 'have you seen this' or whatever. It was a kind of trading place for gossip and for a nice coffee and a Bacardi and coke, for Schumacher.' He added: 'Schumacher loved a cigar, yes. 'But personally whenever someone is smoking a cigar, I'm leaving the room.' Schumacher suffered serious brain injuries in a devastating skiing accident in 2013. Advertisement He has not been seen since and his family have not disclosed his condition. 5
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I spent years with Michael Schumacher until he suddenly ghosted me – here's what ruthless F1 star is REALLY like
Ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins revealed why he forgave Schumacher for ghosting him after his F1 success LONELY AT THE TOP I spent years with Michael Schumacher until he suddenly ghosted me – here's what ruthless F1 star is REALLY like Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENJOYING a coffee with Michael Schumacher at his home became a norm for ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins in the early 1990s. But the former F1 chief said that all quickly changed after the motorsport great brutally ghosted him - dubbing him a "superhero villain". 11 Michael Schumacher was a fierce opponent in an F1 car and he wanted everyone around him to know, according to Richard Hopkins Credit: Reuters 11 Michael Schumacher is lifted in triumph by his mechanics in May 2001 after winning the 59th Monaco Formula One Grand Prix Credit: AFP 11 Richard Hopkins said the F1 legend ghosted him after he shot to fame Credit: SUPPLIED Hopkins first bumped into Schumacher while working as a mechanic for McLaren in 1993, when the seven-time champion was at Benetton. The star and Hopkins, Head of Operations at Red Bull from 2013 to 2015, struck up conversation and soon began enjoying regular coffees together at the German's motorhome. They would talk about girlfriends and what they'd been up to at the weekend, which is when Hopkins said he first saw the 'human side…the Michael outside the cockpit'. But when Schumacher, who hasn't been seen publicly since a devastating skiing accident in 2013, began his meteoric rise in the sport, the catch-ups suddenly stopped. We all change when we become successful. Some people change more than others, and Michael definitely did. He became more focused, and things got more serious for him. Richard Hopkins Hopkins told The Sun: 'Michael's head shifted and he became more focused. 'We all change when we become successful. Some people change more than others, and Michael definitely did. He became more focused, and things got more serious for him. 'He was always serious, especially in the garage and in the car. Anyone who met him outside of that environment - say, in his motorhome having an espresso - would still say he was very serious. "He was dedicated to what he was doing. 'Maybe Michael just thought he didn't have time for the coffee chats anymore. He was focused on his engineer, his team, everything that needed his attention at the track. "Perhaps he felt that if he was going to take time for a coffee, it should be with someone who would be of value to him.' Emotional moment Michael Schumacher's son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend But Hopkins, who now lives in Australia said he forgives Schumacher, now 56, as he did not take the snub personally and believes the F1 legend may simply have become too busy. The Brit, now Team Principal at sustainable racing outfit Sunswift Racing, said Schumacher's laser focus was entirely natural for a driver in his position. He also insists the Ferrari legend was a 'lovely guy' underneath it all. Hopkins said, however, he did notice a big change in Schumacher's behaviour the more success came his way. 'He was like a superhero villain," he added. "The more Michael won, the more focused he became. "It was almost like one of those Spider-Man movies, where the villain gets stronger the more energy he absorbs. "Michael was like that. The more successful he became, the more focused and driven he got. 'We're seeing it with younger drivers now, like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The more successful they get, the more focused and serious they become. 'Michael thrived on success and used it to his advantage in a way I think few others did. He and I were very different in that sense. 11 A furious Michael Schumacher after not finishing a race while driving for Benetton in 1993 Credit: Getty 11 Michael Schumacher is well known for his ruthless driving style on the track, famously ramming into Damon Hill in 1994 Credit: Sporting Pictures (UK) Ltd 11 Schumacher holds up his trophy after winning the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Estoril circuit in Portugal Credit: Getty 11 A young Schumacher pictured with the late F1 star Ayrton Senna Credit: Getty 'With Michael, you'd see the red Ferrari and immediately know it was him. It created that persona. His aggression on the track wasn't just noticed by the drivers, it was clear to everyone.' 'He didn't make friends' Schumacher formed a ruthless reputation in his career after a string of racing incidents. One of those was a collision with British legend Damon Hill in 1994. But Hopkins said Schumacher had a different off-track personality with a big heart. He added: 'Michael had that duality. He's a lovely man, always has been, a lovely guy. His heart is in the right place. But when the helmet goes on and the visor comes down he changed, like many drivers do. It was almost like one of those Spider-Man movies, where the villain gets stronger the more energy he absorbs. 'But Michael took it to the extreme. And we saw it on multiple occasions, that superhero-villain side. It wasn't good PR for him, and he didn't make a lot of friends with some of the actions he took. 'Whether it was the incident in Adelaide in '94, taking out Hill, or the infamous collision with Villeneuve in '97 at Jerez, or parking at La Rascasse in Monaco that year.' Schumacher's fame grew rapidly after his debut race in 1991 at the Belgian Grand Prix. What happened to Michael Schumacher? MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations. At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered. But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him. In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system. Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain. Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be "conscious", although few other details were given about his state. He secured his first victory the following year and continued to impress before cementing his global motorsport icon status with five consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. The star retired at the end of the 2006 season before making a brief comeback for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012. Dad-of-two Schumacher suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013. His wife Corinna has spent the years since creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery. But this week hopes for his health flared as after he signed fellow motorsport great Sir Jackie Stewart's helmet alongside dozens of other drivers He is said to have signed his initials MS with the help of Corinna on the bottom right of the iconic white helmet. Schumacher now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff. Only a handful of trusted people are aware of his health status, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm. 11 His condition since his horror skiing accident is kept private by his family Credit: Netflix 11 The star, pictured in 2005, has not been seen in public since his skiing accident in 2013 Credit: Getty 11 He went onto race for Ferrari Credit: Getty
