Schumacher’s health has remained shrouded in mystery since a serious skiing accident in 2013, and Hopkins says that is unlikely to ever change.
The seven-time world champion was placed in a medically induced coma after nearly losing his life in an accident and has not been seen by the public since.
Information about his health is almost non-existent, but what is certain is that his condition requires intensive care by a large medical team.
Hopkins, who was great friends with Schumacher during his racing days, told SPORTbible:
– I haven’t heard anything for a long time. As far as I know, he has a Finnish doctor, a personal physician. I don’t think we’ll ever see Michael again. I don’t feel most comfortable talking about his condition because the family keeps everything secret for a reason. I can have an opinion, but I’m not in that inner circle. I am not Jean Todt, I am not Ross Brawn, I am not Gerhard Berger, who visit him.
Hopkins and Schumacher met in the early nineties, while Hopkins was working as a mechanic at McLaren and Schumacher was driving for Benetton.
They quickly became close and often spent time together.
When asked if he had any knowledge of Schumacher or contacts with those who visit him, Hopkins replied:
– I can’t say I’m best friends with Todt, Ross or Gerhard. I think even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend and asked him how Michael was, and offered him the best red wine, he wouldn’t reveal anything. Everyone who visits him respects the family’s wish that nothing becomes public. It is right and fair to them.
Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 56, is said to be most involved in his care and strictly guards her husband’s privacy.
The family spends most of their time in a luxury villa on the shores of Lake Geneva, although they also have other properties, including an isolated property in Mallorca.
Hopkins recently spoke about their friendship and the character of the famous driver. Speaking to The Sun, he said:
– When you look at all the elements that make up a world champion, he had them all, even those that are not always positive.
He described him as arrogant and emotional when it came to Formula 1, but emphasized that his best qualities came out in the family environment.
A similar assessment was made by F1 analyst Craig Scarborough, who has been following the sport for more than 25 years and has interviewed Schumacher several times.
He told The Sun earlier this year:
– I spoke with someone who is extremely close to him and they clearly explained to me that we will not hear any new information. He is in as comfortable a situation as his health permits.
(Vijesti.ba)
