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Sad reason Michael Schumacher’s ‘best friend’ will never visit

The sad reason Michael Schumacher’s “best friend” will never see the shut away Formula 1 legend again has come to light.

F1 boss gives rare Michael Schumacher health update

Michael Schumacher’s “best friend” Willi Weber has given up on ever seeing the Formula 1 legend again and has said his “goodbye”.

The world was given hope this week that the seven-time world champion is recovering with rumours suggesting the German was present when his daughter Gina married partner Iain Bethke over the weekend in Majorca, Spain.

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According to reports, to mark the special day, Schumacher’s family made the decision to temporarily end his decade of living hidden away from the world with some friends and family “seeing him” for the first time since his horrific ski accident in 2013.

Weber, who managed the star driver throughout his career, was not among the guests and he remains cut out of his former client’s life.

The 82-year-old has now told German outlet Bild that he would not have attended the event even if he received an invite.

“I wasn’t invited, but I wouldn’t have attended the wedding even if I had been invited,” he said.

“My health isn’t good at the moment. I wouldn’t have wanted to fly to Majorca.”

He went on to say: “I’m thinking about my successes with Michael – our goals and our victories. I remember Michael the way he was. And we probably won’t see each other again.

“It was my fault that I didn’t visit Michael after the accident and stand by him. Because I thought the media reports were exaggerated.

Michael Schumacher celebrates with manager Willi Weber and wife Corrina. Photo by Steve Mitchell/EMPICS via Getty Images)
Michael Schumacher celebrates with manager Willi Weber and wife Corrina. Photo by Steve Mitchell/EMPICS via Getty Images)

“I thought I’d better wait a few days and then everything would be fine. But it was too late. For a long time I blamed myself for not reacting immediately.

“Since then, I’ve said goodbye to Michael in my heart in order to find my peace again.”

Schumacher, 55, considered by many as the greatest driver in F1 history, hasn’t been seen in public since suffering life-threatening brain injuries while skiing in the French Alps.

Ever since, any information about the state of his health has been a closely-guarded secret.

His long-term wife Corinna has even created a so-called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.

It was recently claimed just three people have permission to visit him.

Weber was one of those excluded.

He has previously shared his grievances about being “banned” from seeing the former Mercedes and Ferrari driver and has previously accused the family of telling lies about his health.

Weber this week told German publication Cologne Express: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have any more hope that I will see him again.”

His public criticism of the family in 2022 made global headlines.

Michael Schumacher was present at the special event. Photo: Getty.
Michael Schumacher was present at the special event. Photo: Getty.

He said he was still “angry” that he had not been kept informed once since the F1 legend’s ski accident.

He told Italian sports publication La Gazetta dello Sport: “I tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna and she didn’t answer.

“They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late. It’s been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is.”

The world continues to guess what is truly happening behind the scenes and Gina’s wedding day — held at the $50 million Spanish villa where Michael has reportedly spent much of his recent life — has stoked the rumour mill.

Among the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club, The Sun reports.

Michael Schumacher in 2010. Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP.
Michael Schumacher in 2010. Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP.

The Daily Mail has reported guests at the wedding were required to leave their phones at the front door upon arrival at the estate as one of the measures used to protect Michael’s privacy.

The family also reportedly looked at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away.

The success of the event has reportedly raised hopes the family will consider future opportunities for the Ferrari icon to be seen in public.

The most obvious special day for the family being speculated is the potential wedding of Schumacher’s son Mick.

Mick’s partner, 23-year-old Danish model Laila Hasanovic, recently hinted the couple may be engaged.

The pair have been together for two years and it was reported in January Hasanovic had been given approval to visit the Formula 1 legend.

Originally published as Sad reason Michael Schumacher’s ‘best friend’ will never visit

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/sad-reason-michael-schumachers-best-friend-will-never-visit/news-story/6d1fa204eed56314617df9971783d580