Schumacher manager: It cannot be the end
Michael Schumacher's former manager Willi Weber says he has been barred from seeing his former client since suffering serious injuries in a skiing accident, but remains hopeful that he will recover sufficiently that the two will meet again.
Weber spotted a teenaged Schumacher in regional racing, before managing a career that ended in 2012 with the German breaking just about every record in Formula 1.
Speaking on an RTL special to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Schumacher's maiden title win, it was put to Weber that he is not allowed to see the German, while former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt regularly visits him, and has claimed to have watched grands prix with Schumacher.
"I know that Michael has been badly hurt, but unfortunately not what progress he makes in rehab," Weber said.
"I'd like to know how he's doing and shake hands or stroke his face. But unfortunately this is rejected by Corinna. She probably fears that I will immediately recognize what is going on and make the truth public.
"Still, I firmly believe in Michael's recovery because I know he is a fighter. If there is a chance, he will take it.
"It cannot be the end. I pray for him and am convinced that we will see him again."
Weber also managed Michael's brother Ralf Schumacher during his F1 career, as well as Nico Hulkenberg in the early stages of his time on the F1 grid.