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Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two SCHUEY'S CIRCLE Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who 'regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva. Advertisement 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident. Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "Jean Todt, that's well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. Advertisement "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - Flavio Briatore. He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Advertisement "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. Advertisement "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia. Advertisement But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million. Advertisement Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot. Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. Advertisement She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. Advertisement The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.


The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1 "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Most read in Motorsport "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia . But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident : Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. January 2014 - Schumacher fights for his life : Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as 'critical but stable'. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world's F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital. June 2014 - Schumacher brought out of his coma : After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. September 2014 - Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team. 2015–2018 - Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together. May 2017 - German magazine sued by Schumacher's family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher's right to privacy. September 2019 - Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris : French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed. December 2019 - Manager issues rare statement : Schumacher's longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health. September 2021 - Netflix documentary 'Schumacher' released : A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: 'Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.' December 2023 - 10 years since the accident : Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as 'full of affection'. September 2024 - Daughter Gina's wedding : Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family's £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it 'A1 fake news'. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. December 2024 - Schumacher to become a grandfather : Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: 'Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alonso says Aston Martin's big bet on 2026 F1 season will weigh heavily on his driving future
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks back to his pits after failing to complete during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Gabriel Bouys/Pool Photo via AP) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks through the pits after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks back to his pits after failing to complete during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Gabriel Bouys/Pool Photo via AP) Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain walks through the pits after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and George Russell, of United Kingdom, speak during a press conference at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Thursday May 29, 2025. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Fernando Alonso says that Aston Martin's all-in bet on next season will play a large part on the looming decision of when he definitely calls it quits from Formula 1. 'It will be very important,' Alonso told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. 'I need to see how motivated I am. Advertisement "Every year has its own mood and feeling, how competitive and motivated you are to keep your fitness at a high level,' he said. 'Your personal and family situations, all these things play a role. I know that very important decisions will come when I stop racing.' After winning two F1 titles back in 2005 and 2006, Alonso eventually stepped away from F1 in 2018 when his stint with Ferrari failed to deliver more successes. Seeking new challenges, the Spaniard tried his hand at the 24 Hours Le Mans, Indy 500 and the Dakar rally race, only to return to F1 in 2021. 'For 40 years I have had a steering wheel in my hand and I know that one day I will have to stop,' Alonso said. 'I did stop F1 once in 2018 and I did come back because I needed it, and the next time I do that I will have to be sure.' The former Renault champion is enduring one of the worst seasons of his long and topsy turvy career. He has failed to finish three races, including last weekend's Monaco GP, and has yet to finish in the top 10. The last time he failed to score a point through the first eight races was 2015. Advertisement The context matters, however, and Alonso and his Aston Martin team lowered expectations from the start of the season. They are all concentrated on working with former Red Bull top designer Adrian Newey to put all their energies into making a good car under the rule changes coming for 2026. But sacrificing a year is a big ask for a driver who turns 44 in July and has little tolerance for teams that don't give him a competitive car. The last time Alonso won an F1 race, he did so right here on the same track back in 2013 with Ferrari when he claimed victory No. 32. He also won the Spanish GP in 2006 with Renault. Aston Martin had given him a good car in 2023, when he arrived to the Spanish GP with hopes of winning that allusive 33rd race, but it was not to be. This time he realistically is just hoping to be in the points with his green car struggling and McLaren and Red Bull far, far ahead. Advertisement That said, this year can't be a total wash, according to Alonso. 'The focus is on 2026, but in order to be confident with 2026 you have to build momentum in 2025 and deliver some parts on track to make the car faster,' Alonso said. 'The biggest steps can only happen in 2026. That is where the hopes are.' ___ AP auto racing:

IOL News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
McLaren maintain momentum with strong showing in Monaco
McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates winning the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. Image: Gabriel Bouys / AFP McLaren tightened their grip on both the world drivers' and constructors' championships with another commanding display at the Monaco Grand Prix, reinforcing their position as the pacesetters of the 2025 season. Despite Ferrari's Charles Leclerc splitting the pair, McLaren once again underlined their status as the team to beat, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing first and third, respectively. With each passing race, the title battle is increasingly shaping up to be an internal affair between the two McLaren drivers. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at three major talking points following the iconic Monte Carlo showdown. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Norris finds his groove again Lando Norris arrived in 2025 widely tipped to lead McLaren to their first drivers' championship title since Lewis Hamilton's triumph in 2008. Having wrapped up last year's constructors' title, the team from Surrey looked set to go one better this season. While Norris started the year as the frontrunner, inconsistent qualifying performances had seen him slip behind his teammate Piastri in the standings. However, his victory in Monaco — his second of the season — was a timely reminder of his class. He now trails the Australian by just three points in the championship race, and his confidence appears to be returning at just the right time. Mercedes lose ground Toto recaps our Sunday in Monaco 🗣️ — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 25, 2025 Mercedes endured a forgettable weekend, as both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell struggled to make an impression during qualifying. Antonelli's light brush with the barrier at the Nouvelle Chicane was symbolic of a weekend where little went right, while Russell's mechanical failure put him on the back foot for the rest of the weekend. The duo's qualifying positions—14th and 15th — left them far from contention even before the lights went out. On a circuit notorious for limited overtaking, Mercedes failed to roll the dice with their strategy, opting for similar conservative approaches with both drivers. As a result, their lackluster outing has opened the door for Red Bull, who are now just four points behind in the Constructors' standings heading into this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc keeps Ferrari in the fight Those special home podium moments 🏆 🍾 — Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 26, 2025


Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
McLaren's Norris notches up second win with maiden victory at Monaco Grand Prix
Lando Norris resisted intense pressure to claim a well-deserved victory for McLaren ahead of Ferrari's local hero Charles Leclerc in Sunday's strangely chaotic and tactical Monaco Grand Prix. The Briton came home 3.131 seconds clear of last year's winner with championship leading McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri taking third. Four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull came next ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari. Norris became the first McLaren winner in Monaco since Hamilton, in his first title-winning season of 2008. It was his first Monaco triumph, his second this year and the sixth of his career. McLaren's British driver Lando Norris (left) leads Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (right) into the first corner during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Circuit de Monaco, on Sunday. AFP French rookie Isack Hadjar finished sixth for the RB team ahead of Esteban Ocon of Haas, Liam Lawson in the second RB and the Williams pair Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. 'Monaco baby, yeah baby!' screamed Norris from his car during his slowdown lap after closing to within three points of Piastri in the title race. 'It feels amazing. It's a long and gruelling race. I was nervous into the last corner and we pushed, but we won in Monaco so it doesn't matter how you do it. 'I've realised a dream today.' The race began on a clear, dry and sunlit afternoon with the teams choosing a wide range of tyres ahead of the first mandatory two-stop race. Norris made a solid start from pole, but went close to sliding off at Ste Devote. He held on to resist Leclerc before a quartet of tail-enders - including Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly made early stops. McLaren's Lando Norris in action during the race. Reuters A skirmish involving Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto was followed by early use of a virtual safety car (VSC) which prompted the first stops, but most stayed out with Norris hanging on in front. Pit-lane chaos Yellow flags waved again on lap eight when Gasly lost control of his Alpine at the Nouvelle Chicane and ran into Tsunoda's Red Bull, damaging his front left wheel. He limped back to the pits and retired. The disrupted order was affected by off-set strategies as teams sought to control one car's pace to create space for a pit-stop for the other. This ploy required Hamilton, Lawson and Sainz, among others, to sacrifice their races, in the process slowing the field and creating traffic jams. Agencies