Since his skiing accident in 2013, the condition of Michael Schumacher has been a major concern for Formula 1 and sports fans around the world.
The awful events of December 2013 saw Schumacher collide with a rock while skiing off-piste in Switzerland. The accident left the German sustain severe severe head injuries, which also briefly saw him enter a medically-induced coma.
He has been recovering at home since late 2014, but word of his health has not been shared regularly, as his family closely guard the former F1 driver.
Appearing at a ceremony honouring Schumacher on Wednesday, the German's former team boss Jean Todt gave a long-awaited update on his health.
Michael Schumacher: Jean Todt gives positive update on F1 legend's condition
Jean Todt was team principal of Ferrari from 1994 to 2007, overseeing seven constructors' championships and six drivers' championships.
Five of those championships came in consecutive years from 2000 to 2004 with Michael Schumacher at the wheel of the Ferrari.
Jean Todt appeared on Wednesday alongside Schumacher's wife Corinna and daughter Gina at a ceremony which honoured Schumacher with the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia, the highest honour which can be bestowed upon citizens of the region.
At the event, Todt gave an update on Michael Schumacher's condition:
I don't miss Michael, I see him. It's true, I watch races with Michael. But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.
If it was emotional for you [watching the award ceremony], you can imagine how emotional it was for me. Emotional, but at the same time a great pride to be able to talk about Michael.
You have people around who are just special. And, in a way, Michael is also very special. Corinna, Mick and Gina have also become special to me. They have all become family to me, to my wife and to my son.
Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He's so strong.
It would appear that Schumacher has been watching this year's Formula One races, in an update that will at the least bring solace to fans of the sport who have waited for word of the F1 legend's condition.
Schumacher raced for Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes over the course of a 21 year career in the sport. Until 2020, he was undisputed as the most successful driver in the sport with seven championships, 91 wins and 68 pole positions. Lewis Hamilton has since joined him on seven championships.
30 years ago today, the great Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut for Jordan ☘️
Will there ever be a better sponsor than the Jordan - 7Up linkup?pic.twitter.com/P4Qf2ixif0— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) August 25, 2021
Schumacher's son Mick made his debut in the sport in 2021 driving for the Haas team. He claimed his first F1 points with P8 at the British Grand Prix earlier this month, and followed that up with a brilliant P6 last time out in Austria.
There is no doubt that Mick Schumacher is doing his father proud in F1 this season. The updates from Jean Todt will at the very least bring a smile to the face of fans of the sport after so long without news of Michael's condition.
The tough fight continues for Michael Schumacher, but he has the support of the sporting world.
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