Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been “like a prisoner” as she valiantly battles to keep his health condition private according to former F1 boss Eddie Jordan.
As Michael continues to recuperate from his terrible ski accident ten years ago, Corinna, who has been dubbed his “guardian angel,” has been in charge of making sure his need for privacy is respected, according to The Sun.
The 54-year-old rarely discusses her spouse and is thought to be in charge of running the household’s business so that they can maintain their private life.
This is in addition to supporting their son Mick’s F1 career and the ongoing concern of fans about Michael, now 54 and an eight-time world champion, and his recovery from his injury in December 2013.
Family friend Jordan, who gave Schumacher his first break in Formula 1 with Jordan Grand Prix back in 1991, stated in a moving interview that Corinna feels almost like a “prisoner” due to the pressure and relentless struggle.
Jordan was denied a visit from Ms. Schumacher shortly after Michael’s accident, a decision he says he fully understands and supports in light of the enormous attention around the injured champ.
“This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna,” Jordan sain in an interview with The Sun Online. “It’s been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that, she’s like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn’t need reminding of it every minute.”
Ms. Schumacher is believed to have restricted visits with Michael to family members solely.
F1 president and former Ferrari executive Jean Todt is one of the few individuals outside of their small social circle who is permitted to visit him.
“Privacy is such a vital aspect to sport, business and your personal life,” Jordan added. “[Corinna] has set out some rules, I know her very well and a long time before Michael Schumacher.”
“She’s a lovely girl and I knew her when she married Michael so there is a long history of good relations.”
“I made an effort to go see Michael in the early days and Corinna refused, and rightfully so because too many people wanted to go see him.”
“Jean Todt was given the privilege to go see him because of how close they were from their time together at Ferrari which is completely understandable.”
“I was not able to go see Michael and they said ‘We love you Eddie and we’ve been involved with you for a very long time, but we do need privacy and safeguard of Michael’.”
From 1991 through 2005, Jordan served as the manager of the Jordan F1 team, a squad recognized for developing new talent, including Michael Schumacher and his brother Ralf.
Jordan gave Schumacher his big break at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix when he was 22 years old. It was an unprecedented series of circumstances that prevented Jordan driver Bertrand Gachot from competing in the race since he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using CS gas on a taxi driver.
The team competed in 250 races, claimed four Grand Prix victories, and challenged for the world championship in 1999. He continued to be involved in Formula One as a frequent guest in the pit lane and as a television analyst even after selling the team, which eventually evolved into what is now known as Aston Martin F1.
Jordan has frequently expressed his “love” for his friend Schumacher, most recently referring to the 91-time race winner as “there but not there” earlier this year.
Ms. Schumacher rarely discusses her husband, but in a heartfelt, sad interview for the Netflix documentary Schumacher, she did provide some details.
“I miss Michael every day but it’s not just me who misses him… It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him,” Corinna said. “I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here, different, but he’s here and that gives us strength, I find.”
“We try to carry on a family as Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
“’Private is private’, as he always said… It is very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible.”
“Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
Jordan also disclosed to The Sun Online that he spoke with Mick, the legend’s son.
Mick entered F1 to continue his father’s legacy, but the 23-year-old driver struggled and was forced to give up his seat at the end of 2022 following a string of accidents for the Haas team.
“It’s also difficult for Mick, he is trying to make a career for himself in motor racing,” Jordan said. “If Mick did not have this pressure of his father looming over him, he would probably be a much better driver than what we think.”
“However, it is his father and he has to understand and cope with that, but my thoughts are with him… I don’t reach out to Mick often, but I loved what he said about driving the Jordan car that his father had driven, it was a nostalgic and a very nice touch.”
“Nevertheless, Mick needs his own free space and time like everyone in that family needs.”
Mick, who was replaced by experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg at Haas for 2023, is now a Mercedes reserve driver. In the event that George Russell or Sir Lewis Hamilton should miss a race, he will fill in for them.
