MICHAEL SCHUMACHER is watching Formula One racing on television, according to his close friend and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt.
Mr Todt gave a rare update on the seven-time world champion, who suffered a severe head trauma after a near fatal skiing accident on December 29, 2013.
His recovery and progress have been kept a closely guarded secret by his friends and family, with many racing fans eager to see their hero return to the sport.
News has been sparse, with his wife Corrina, 50, breaking silence to celebrate the lifetime achievements of her husband on his 50th birthday.
But Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President and former Ferrari Jean Todt has revealed that Michael is making progress – while another friend said he was receiving physiotherapy treatment.
The racing mogul is one of a few select people who regularly visit the 50-year-old racing star in Switzerland, where he has been receiving treatment since his accident.
Mr Todt told Radio Monte: “I’m always careful with such statements, but it’s true. I saw the race together with Michael Schumacher at his home in Switzerland.
“Michael is in the best hands and is well looked after in his house. He does not give up and keeps fighting.”
Michael close friend, basketball player Dirk Nowitzki, 41, believes the legend’s son, Mick Schumacher, can follow in his footsteps.
The basketball player replied: “Yes, definitely!”
Regarding Michael’s state of health, the sportsman continued: “Of course I hope that he’s making progress in his physio and we’ll see him again someday.”
But Mr Nowitzki said he wished to keep Michael’s health a secret, saying: “I respect the decision of his family to keep it private.”
The sportsman has not been seen in public for over five years with updates on his health remaining thin.
It is believed the superstar is still receiving extensive nursing and therapy care.
In January, around the time of Michael’s birthday, a family statement said: “You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.
“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy.
“At the same time, we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.”
