Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan was banned from visiting his friend Michael Schumacher following his 2013 skiing accident by the star’s wife Corinna, but he understands why, according to a new interview.
Jordan cited Schumacher’s wish for privacy, which Corinna has been steadfastly carrying out for nearly ten years, slimming down their circle of friends and enacting a ‘family only’ rule for those who wish to visit the sporting icon.
In an interview with the Sun via his involvement with betting firm OLGB, Jordan said that he ‘made an effort to go and see Michael in the early days’ but was refused.
Jordan said that Corinna had stated clearly that they ‘loved’ him but did need ‘privacy’ in the safeguarding of her husband and his condition.
As team owner of Jordan Grand Prix, Jordan was the first to give Michael Schumacher his Formula 1 break with a one-off drive at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.
Eddie Jordan now understands why Corinna Schumacher has demanded so much privacy for her husband Michael
The pair have been close friends for many years but Jordan (L) has not seen Michael Schumacher (R) since his accident
The driver signed to Benetton for the rest of the season, before stints at Ferrari and Mercedes, wracking up a then-record seven world championships in a legendary career.
Following his 2013 skiing accident, Schumacher was placed in a medically-induced coma for six months before continuing his convalescence at home from September 2014.
Jordan highlighted ‘rules’ set out by Corinna about visiting her husband.
‘Privacy is such a vital aspect to sport, business and your personal life. [Corinna] has set out some rules, I know her very well.
‘She’s a lovely girl and I knew here when she married Michael so there is a long history of good relations.’
Jordan clarified: ‘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”.’
Todt, who was later appointed President of the FIA and held the position for 22 years, has previously revealed that when he does visit his close friend, they often watch Formula 1 races together.
Jordan finished by sharing that he understands that the situation for Schumacher’s family and their concern for absolute privacy is ‘horrific’.
‘This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna,’ he added.
‘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.’
Jordan shared concern for Schumacher’s son Mick, who is a reserve-driver for Mercedes this season after being dropped by Haas.
‘It’s also difficult for Mick is trying to make a career for himself in motor racing. 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.
Corinna (pictured in 2005 with her husband) has been likened to ‘a prisoner’ in an impossible situation by Jordan
Mick Schumacher joined the Mercedes set-up ending a four-year partnership as a Ferrari junior driver after he loss his seat at Haas
‘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.’
During last year’s Formula 1 season, whilst driving for the American constructor, Mick shared his father’s advice given to him upon embarking on his own career: ‘Do what you love’.
‘My father was always very supportive of everything I was doing in karting,’ Mick said.
‘Of course. I think he tried to give me different approaches to see what was best for me, and in the end he always told me: “do what you love”.’
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