Willi Weber, the man who spotted Michael Schumacher in 1988 before managing the interests of the seven-time world champion for more than two decades, is at odds with the Schumacher family who have not let him come and visit the German since that he returned to his home in Switzerland. Ten years after the former pilot’s terrible skiing accident in the Méribel resort, Weber seems to have given up on his hope of one day seeing his ex-foal again.
“When I think of Michael now, I unfortunately have no hope of ever seeing him again. No positive news after ten years. His family has always forbidden me from coming to visit him for a reason that escapes me,” he explained to the German media Express. The businessman, however, admitted a mistake, that of not having quickly gone to “Schumi’s” bedside when he was in a coma at Grenoble University Hospital, suffering from a serious cerebral hemorrhage. “Of course, I regret it very much and I blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I cried like a dog after his accident. This hit me incredibly hard, you can imagine. Like the fact that Corinna no longer allows any contact,” he added.
The people authorized to see Michael Schumacher at his home in Gland in Switzerland can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Only people considered extremely close by Corinna Schumacher, his wife, are invited to the family villa. Jean Todt, former president of the International Automobile Federation, but also boss of Scuderia Ferrari when Schumacher was at the peak of his career, is part of this privileged circle, like Ross Brawn, famous paddock engineer.
But Todt is careful not to give too much news about his friend’s health or to comment on rumors reporting the German’s inability to communicate with those around him. The mystery remains about the champion’s state of consciousness. “Michael (Schumacher) is here, so I don’t miss him. He’s not the Michael from before. He is different and is beautifully mentored by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different and I have the privilege of being able to share moments with him,” Todt told L’Équipe a few days ago while the German channel ARD is preparing to broadcast a documentary on the accident and its circumstances, ten years after the tragedy, on December 29, 2013.