Jean Todt: Michael Schumacher’s family is my family

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, the former FIA president spoke about Michael Schumacher and his impressions of the current Formula 1 season…

Q: Many car accidents are due to cell phone use while driving. How do you get this message across to people?
Jean Todd: We are launching a global campaign featuring Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, Marc Marquez, Patrick Dempsey, Michael Fassbender. We use celebrities to influence the driving behavior of young people.

Q: You may enjoy a tracked vacation but be involved in social projects full time…
Jean ToddA: Now I have a lot more free time. I consider myself a lucky person and am willing to give something back. Together with friends, we founded the Institute for the Study of the Brain and Spinal Cord in Paris, we have a thousand researchers in this field. People’s health and safety are my priorities.

Q: In Formula 1, many regret that you left?
Jean ToddA: I’ve heard a few are dissatisfied. One of them is Stefano Domenicali, we worked together for 16 years and then he became my friend. But my son Nicholas is glad I’m not in the paddock anymore. He is the manager of the racers, including Charles Leclerc, for him I was more of a hindrance than a help.

Q: How did you feel at the Oscars, where your wife Michelle Yeoh received the Academy Award for Best Actress?
Jean Todd: It was like winning the World Cup. When we arrived in Los Angeles, we thought there was a chance, but you don’t know the result until you open the envelope. When they called the name, I was beside myself with happiness. I know how much effort Michelle, the first Asian actress at the time, put in.

I said in her ear: “I have the same feelings as on the podium with Michael at Suzuka in 2000. We have a new world champion in our family.

Q: You visit Michael Schumacher and we hear a lot of rumors from those who haven’t seen him since the accident?
Jean Todd: Let’s respect Corinna and the children’s decision by keeping their private lives private. We know the accident had consequences. But who says he knows something, knows nothing. I often visit him. He and his family are my family.

Question: Do you watch broadcasts of Formula 1 races?

Jean Todt: I look at everything. Rally, endurance racing, Formula E. I’m calling [руководителем Формулы 1] Stefano Domenicali before and after races.

Question Domenicali not worried that Red Bull Racing has no competitors?
Jean Todd: They are very strong, but there is Aston Martin – this team is making more progress every year than others.

Q: What will it take to make the same progress as Aston Martin?
Jean Todd: Time and right decisions. You have to find the right people and put them in the right place.

Q: When you came to Ferrari, you took the best technical specialists…
Jean ToddA: Not just technicians. It is essential to have the best in every field. A company is judged on its front door. The way the operator answers calls. You have to take the best and then coordinate them, creating a fertile environment.

Q: What is stopping Ferrari from doing that now?
Jean Todd: I am not one to judge. First of all I wish Ferrari all the best.

Q: Do you know Frederic Vasseur?
Jean Todd: A little. My son knows him better, they worked together.

Question: Verstappen is very reminiscent of Schumacher…
Jean Todd: He is fast, rarely makes mistakes. He’s a fighter, just like Michael. But on a human level, I don’t know Max well enough to judge him.

Michael could appear confident and obnoxious during the races, but it was an image that helped hide his shyness. He was humble and always doubted himself. He never blamed the team, even when the brakes failed because of our mistake at Silverstone. I’m not making comparisons, but he and Max have one thing in common.

Question: what?
Jean Todd: They play for the best team, which helps a lot.

Q: Could Leclerc have performed like Verstappen in a more competitive team?
Jean Todd: Certainly. In Formula 1 there are good drivers and there is a very small group of very good drivers – Leclerc is one of them.

Source: F1 News

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