Michael Schumacher's old boss at Benetton, Flavio Briatore, has revealed that he doesn't want to visit his old driver because he wants to 'remember Michael as he was'.
Schumacher hasn't been seen in public since a devastating skiing accident in the French Alps back in 2013.
The 56-year-old was skiing when he tragically crashed and struck his head on a rock. He was placed into a medically induced coma and, though he was later allowed to return home, his condition has been kept a secret ever since.
Just a small number of people are allowed to visit the stricken star, who won seven Drivers' Championships during his prime years as a Formula One driver.
Michael Schumacher's old boss at Benetton, Flavio Briatore, has revealed that he doesn't want to visit his old driver because he wants to 'remember Michael as he was'
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Briatore was Benetton boss when Schumacher drove to glory in 1994 and 1995.
Now, speaking to RTL, he's opened up on his old friend - and insisted he won't be visiting him because he doesn't want his image of Schumacher to change.
He said: "We last saw each other at a boxing event in Germany, a few months before his terrible skiing accident.
"I want to remember Michael as he was - full of energy and strength. He wouldn't want me to remember him the way he is now."
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Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore worked together at Benetton
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Despite his reluctance to visit Schumacher, the former Benetton chief lavished praise on the F1 icon's wife, Corinna.
Corinna has cared for her husband ever since the tragic accident, while also raising their two children Mick and Gina.
Briatore added: "Michael and his family were a big part of the success, including my personal success.
"I want to keep those moments - they were amazing. Corinna is an incredible woman. She's very courageous. She did a great job to keep the family together."
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Schumacher was rumoured to have attended Gina's wedding last year.
However, that's something that hasn't been confirmed or denied - meaning speculation over his condition is likely to rumble on as a result.
Schumacher recently signed a special helmet for Sir Jackie Stewart that bears the signatures of every living F1 champion.
And former team-mate Johnny Herbert has suggested that it could be a sign that his old friend is potentially improving behind the scenes.
"It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet," Herbert told FastSlots.
"It was a wonderful moment.
"We haven't seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it's a sign.
"Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It's been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we'll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his skiing crash in 2013PA"Michael Schumacher making an appearance at an F1 race weekend would be one of those special moments from one of the greatest drivers we have ever seen.
"It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world. Considering the awful situation he found himself in, and to battle back against it, it would be amazing.
"I hope we continue to hear this positive news more often."
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