Michael Schumacher ‘following’ son’s F1 progress reveals FIA president Jean Todt – in fresh hopes star may be conscious
MICHAEL Schumacher is following his son's Formula One progress, his close friend and ex Ferrari chief Jean Todt has revealed.
The FIA President's words give fresh hopes that the stricken F1 legend is conscious following his devastating skiing accident in 2013.
Schumacher's son Mick, 21, is currently competing in FIA Formula 2 but is tipped to follow in his dad's footsteps by jumping up to Formula 1 with Haas next year.
Schumacher was critically injured when he fell while skiing in the French Alps seven years ago.
He was in a coma for nearly six months and his family have kept his condition closely guarded ever since.
His health condition remains unknown but the sporting legend, who is understood to be continuing his recovery at a luxury villa in Majorca, is said to be monitoring his son's driving career from his bed.
Asked if Schumacher was able to follow his son's progress, Jean Todt told "Of course he is following him.
"Mick is probably going to race in Formula 1 next year which will be a great challenge. We would be delighted to have a new Schumacher at the highest level of motor racing."
'HE FIGHTS'
The 74-year-old, however, remained coy about Schumacher's condition.
He said: "This is a question on which I am going to be extremely reserved.
"I see Michael very often – once or twice a month. My answer is the same all the time – he fights.
"He is very well cared for and in a place that is very comfortable. We can only wish for him and his family that things get better."
Schumacher's son Mick is currently number three in the Formula 2 leaderboard and if he wins he cannot remain in the series.
He is currently part of the Ferrari academy but the Italian team have already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Charles Leclerc next season.
Ferrari is likely to look to park the German at either Haas or Alfa Romeo in 2021 so he can get some F1 experience.
It comes after his dad's record of 91 wins was equalled and then broke earlier this month by Lewis Hamilton.
After drawing level with Schumacher by winning the Eifel Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver was handed one of his racing helmets by son Mick.
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Hamilton said: "Michael was just so far ahead, it was beyond my wildest dreams that I could be here today having equalled this record.
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"Naturally everyone knows that he is an icon and a legend of the sport.
"What he achieved in so many areas, pushing the limit in terms of the physicality side, he really was a pioneer in being the fittest driver at the time."
