Michael Schumacher's manager hits back at Todt's 'malicious intent' claims

Key facts

• Michael Schumacher, 57, suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in Meribel, France on December 29, 2013.
• He has not been seen in public since and is cared for by wife Corinna and a 24-hour medical team.
• Schumacher is now sitting up in a wheelchair and can be moved between his properties in Majorca and Switzerland.
• In 2025, three individuals were found guilty of attempted blackmail against the Schumacher family.
• A death hoax in late the death of author Michael J. Schumacher, not the F1 champion.
• Jean Todt claimed Schumacher purposely crashed into Jacques Villeneuve in the 1997 title decider.
• Willi Weber, Schumacher's long-time manager, angrily denied Todt's claims, calling them unnecessary given Schumacher's condition.

New details on Schumacher's condition emerge

Twelve years after a catastrophic ski accident in the French Alps, Michael Schumacher is no longer bedridden. The seven-time Formula One world champion can now sit up in a wheelchair and be wheeled around his homes in Majorca and Switzerland, sources have told the Daily Mail. Schumacher, 57, is under the constant care of his wife Corinna, to whom he has been married since 1995, and a team of nurses and therapists who maintain a 24-hour watch. An insider said the feeling is that Schumacher understands some of what goes on around him, but probably not all.

Todt's controversial interview reignites debate

The Schumacher camp has been forced to respond after former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt gave an interview in which he claimed Schumacher purposely crashed into championship rival Jacques Villeneuve during their 1997 title decider in Jerez. Todt also touched on Schumacher's controversial 'spin' during 2006 Monaco qualifying. The FIA initially deemed the 1997 incident a racing incident, but weeks later disqualified Schumacher from the drivers' championship, stripping him of his second-place finish while leaving his race wins intact.

Weber defends Schumacher's legacy

Willi Weber, Schumacher's long-time manager, expressed disbelief at Todt's remarks. 'I'm speechless. Why would he say something like that? And especially in Michael's difficult situation,' Weber told Cologne outlet Express. Weber insisted that none of Schumacher's controversial moves were made with malice. 'Anyone who knows Michael knows there was no malicious intent behind it. It was a tough but necessary manoeuvre to defend his position and thus also the potential title,' Weber said, adding that far more aggressive manoeuvres have been seen in championship fights, citing Ayrton Senna against Alain Prost.

Family battles blackmail and privacy intrusions

The Schumacher family has faced other public tribulations. In 2025, three individuals were found guilty of attempted blackmail after threatening to upload hundreds of videos and photos to the dark web unless a multi-million dollar payment was made. The year prior, rumors that Schumacher would appear at his daughter's wedding were dismissed by a family confidant. Since the accident, the family has maintained strict privacy, releasing only limited updates. Public statements have consistently emphasized their wish for respect and discouragement of unsubstantiated claims.

Death hoax highlights misinformation dangers

In late December 2025, a surge of online posts falsely claimed that Michael Schumacher had died at age 75. The confusion arose from the death of Michael J. Schumacher, a US-based author and biographer from Wisconsin, who died on December 29, 2025, at age 75. His daughter, Emily Joy Schumacher, confirmed the death; no cause was disclosed. The author wrote biographies of Eric Clapton, Allen Ginsberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Will Eisner, as well as books on Great Lakes maritime history. The episode underscores how easily misinformation spreads when public figures share names, particularly in fast-moving digital environments.

Schumacher's enduring legacy in Formula One

Michael Schumacher won seven world championships and 91 race wins before retiring in 2012. His career with Benetton and Ferrari set records that stood for years. Even in his absence, his name remains a touchstone in the sport. Recently, young driver Kimi Antonelli joined Schumacher and Ayrton Senna as the only drivers to take their first three pole positions in a row. Antonelli's third consecutive win in Miami drew praise from 1996 champion Damon Hill, who noted the 19-year-old is 'showing up' his Mercedes teammate George Russell.

What lies ahead for the Schumacher family

With no verified medical updates from the family, Schumacher's condition remains largely private. The family has consistently discouraged public speculation and has taken legal action against those who breach their privacy. As Weber's rebuke of Todt shows, those close to Schumacher remain protective of his legacy. The former champion's story continues to unfold in fragments, each new revelation carefully managed by a family determined to shield him from the spotlight that once defined his life.

The bottom line

• Michael Schumacher is alive and no longer bedridden; he can sit up in a wheelchair and is cared for by his wife and a 24-hour medical team.
• Jean Todt claimed Schumacher purposely crashed into Jacques Villeneuve in 1997; Schumacher's manager Willi Weber angrily denied the assertion.
• Three individuals were convicted in 2025 for attempting to blackmail the Schumacher family with stolen photos and videos.
• A death hoax in December 2025 mistakenly attributed the death of author Michael J. Schumacher to the F1 champion.
• Schumacher's family maintains strict privacy, releasing only limited updates and discouraging unsubstantiated speculation.
• Schumacher's legacy in F1 remains influential, with young driver Kimi Antonelli matching his record of three consecutive pole positions.