Michael Schumacher in rare health update as ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt reveals former champ still watches F1 races

MICHAEL Schumacher still loves to watch Formula One races almost a decade after he retired from his beloved sport, former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has revealed.

The seven-time World Champion suffered a horrific skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, which left him with a traumatic brain injury.

His condition has remained a closely guarded secret since the horror incident, with his wife Corinna preferring to treat her husband privately at their home in Geneva, Switzerland.

But a few of his racing pals - such as FIA President Jean Todt -have remained in his tight circle.

The Frenchman, 74, gave a rare update on Schumacher's health while letting fans know his love for Formula One hasn't faltered.

Todt revealed he regularly visits the 53-year-old, who has not been seen in public since his accident, to watch races together.

He told German TV channel : "I don't miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it's true, I watch races with Michael.

"But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together."

Schumacher's son Mick followed in his father's legendary footsteps to become a track star, seeing fans suggest the duo proudly watch his offspring keep his racing legacy alive.

Todt noted there was "a lot of unfair pressure" placed on Schumacher Jr's shoulders de to his father's success.

The ex-Ferrari chief previously told how he "hopes the world" will be able to see his dear friend again, revealing Schumacher has "never changed".

He continued: "I don't leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we've had so many experiences together.

"The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.

"Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He's so strong."

Todt formed a formidable friendship with racing ace Schumacher as his boss during his glittering career with Ferrari.

They proved to be quite the extraordinary pairing, with the dad winning five consecutive World Drivers' Championships, from 2000 to 2004, under Todt's leadership.

Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He's so strong.

Jean Todt

And their relationship has overcome the many hurdles in Schumacher's life in wake of his near-fatal accident.

Todt joined the 53-year-old's wife Corinna and daughter Gina to collect the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia in Cologne on Michael's behalf on Wednesday.

It is the highest civilian honour available to those born within the region and can be awarded to anyone who has made an outstanding contribution to the world.

It comes after Schumacher's former manager Willi Weber accused the star's family of lying about his condition.

The 80-year-old said he is still "angry" that the brood hasn't updated him on the F1 icon's health since his skiing accident nine years ago.

He took swipes at both Corinna and Jean Todt, saying: "They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late."

Weber initially understood the need for secrecy from the Schumacher family but that since he got out of hospital, "we have only heard lies from them".