A Glimpse into Michael Schumacher's History: Flavio Briatore Reminisces About His Last Meeting
Last conversation with Schumacher: F1 legend Flavio Briatore recounts their final encounter
Michael Schumacher, the racing legend who won seven Formula 1 world championship titles, has been living in seclusion since a skiing accident in 2013. His current health status remains a private matter, and only a select few are allowed to visit him. One of those not included in the 20 permitted individuals is his longtime mentor, Flavio Briatore.
In an informal chat, Briatore, the 75-year-old former Benetton team principal who guided Schumacher to his first two titles, recalls their last meeting.
Reminiscing the Old Days
"Our last encounter happened at a boxing event in Germany - just a few months before his unfortunate skiing accident," Briatore shares in an interview with RTL. Since then, there's been no contact between the two.
Briatore expresses no disappointment at being excluded from the select group of visitors. He wishes to remember his protégé as he was - brimming with energy and power. "He wouldn't want me to remember him as he is now," says Briatore, "I still see him with all his strength and vitality. Those moments were simply fantastic."
Praise for Corinna Schumacher
Briatore holds nothing but admiration for Schumacher's wife, Corinna, who has fiercely guarded her husband's privacy for over a decade. Briatore praises her for being an "incredible woman" and for doing "an amazing job in keeping the family together."
Remembering their time together at Benetton, Briatore acknowledges that both Schumacher and his family played a significant role in his success and their own. "Michael and his family were a big part of our achievement, also my personal success," Briatore concludes humbly and appreciatively.
Preserving the Past
Since the "Crashgate scandal" in 2008, which briefly suspended Briatore from F1, he has returned to the command bridge as the team principal of Alpine F1. Aiming to build on past achievements, Briatore is committed to moving forward.
Featured photo: Gero Breloer/dpa
More about Michael Schumacher
- A Personal Touch: Michael Schumacher signs his legendary helmet!
- "Cold-hearted": RTL expert Christian Danner speaks critically about Michael Schumacher
- "Desired visit denied": Eddie Jordan (76) tried to meet "Schumi" - Corinna said no!
Additional Insights:
- Michael Schumacher's severe skiing accident in 2013 resulted in significant brain trauma. Although updates are rare from his family, his former F1 boss, Jean Todt, reportedly confirmed that he is confined to a bed[2]. Details regarding his condition remain scarce.
- Michael Schumacher's visitor list of approximately 20 individuals is not publicly confirmed. Access to him is tightly controlled by his family, with only a select few being granted permission into his inner circle[3]. Some individuals from the F1 paddock have visited, but specific names are generally withheld.
In the interview with RTL, Flavio Briatore, Schumacher's former mentor, explained their last meeting occurred at a boxing event in Germany before Schumacher's skiing accident in 2013. Briatore praises Corinna Schumacher for her role in preserving her husband's privacy over the years, stating that she's an incredible woman who's done an amazing job in keeping the family together. Looking back at their shared history with the Schumachers at Benetton, Briatore credits both Michael and his family for significant contributions to their achievements and personal success.
