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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
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Michael Schumacher's son Mick, 26, holds ‘SECRET talks' to make shock F1 return during Miami GP
MICK SCHUMACHER is reportedly in secret talks during the Miami Grand Prix over a return to Formula One. Advertisement 4 Mick Schumacher is in secret talks to return to Formula One Credit: Getty 4 His dad is none other than Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher Credit: Getty He was previously an F1 driver for Haas between 2021 and 2022. And Schumacher has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren. But now the German could be in line for a stunning return to the paddock with new American team Cadillac. They are entering the world of Formula One from 2026. Advertisement And during the weekend's However, It's reckoned the US team has already moved for ex-Red Bull star Sergio Perez. And they now want Schumacher to compete alongside him. Advertisement Most read in Motorsport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Switzerland-born ace is highly favoured due to his blend of youth and experience. While the Schumacher name and brand is very well known across America. Stunning beer prices at Miami GP revealed as F1 fans face staggering cost for drinks, steak sandwiches and pizza 4 Cadillac have reportedly already swooped for Sergio Perez Credit: Getty Advertisement 4 IndyCar star Colton Herra is also being lined up Credit: Getty However, Cadillac also have another option for the second seat. IndyCar Series star Colton Herta, 25, was previously in pole position for a place. But he remains without a super licence and must finish fourth this season in his current sport. Advertisement Unfortunately for Herta, he is currently eighth and also has personal doubts about a switch to F1.
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
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I spent years with Michael Schumacher until he suddenly ghosted me – here's what ruthless F1 star is REALLY like
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". 10 10 10 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.' 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. 10 10 10 10 '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 e x-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm. 10
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Red Bull reveal striking new F1 livery in touching tribute for Japanese GP
Red Bull will sport a striking all-white livery at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in a tribute to engine partner Honda. Japanese F1 star Yuki Tsunoda will make his Red Bull debut this weekend, having replaced the axed Liam Lawson after the first two races of the 2025 season. Yet Tsunoda, having switched from the white of junior team Racing Bulls, will stay in white overalls this weekend as a nod to Red Bull's partnership with Japanese automotive giant Honda, who also back the 24-year-old driver financially. It is Honda's last year of working with Red Bull before they switch to an engine partnership with Aston Martin – reuniting with ex-Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey – for new engine and chassis regulations in 2026. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "Our relationship with Honda deserves celebration, it has been one of continued success and brought the team one of the most triumphant and dominant periods in our history. 'Max has won four world titles with a Honda power unit and the team have lifted two constructors' titles, in addition, Honda's reliability enabled to complete the most successful season in the sport's history in 2023. 'This livery is a tribute to Honda's success in the sport and the final year of, what has been a thoroughly enjoyable partnership. 'I am looking forward to seeing it out on track." The new livery is inspired by Honda's RA272 first victory in the sport, at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix with Richie Ginther. A special logo commemorating 60 years since Honda's first win will also be displayed across all four Red Bull cars. Red Bull also sported an all-white livery at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, another tribute to Honda, in a year where the Japanese GP was not held due to the Covid pandemic. Tsunoda will be present alongside new teammate Max Verstappen, as well as Racing Bull drivers Lawson and Isack Hadjar, at a show-run event in Tokyo on Wednesday.
