Latest news with #Briatore
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Fresh Michael Schumacher health update paints sad picture for fans
The latest Michael Schumacher health update is a sad one for fans of the Formula One legend. Schumacher's friend and former boss, Flavio Briatore, says he finds it incredibly hard to see the bedridden Schumacher. 'If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory,' Briatore told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera earlier this month. 'I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. 'Corinna and I talk often, though.' There was some hope Schumacher was 'on the mend' after a report emerged in April that he had contributed his initials, with the help of his wife Corinna, to a crash helmet which was auctioned for charity. Michael Schumacher has not been seen since 2013. Credit: AFP It was his first sign of life in almost 12 year, and it raised the spirits of many. Schumacher, 56, has not been seen in public since a horrific skiing accident in 2013 left him with serious injuries requiring around-the-clock treatment and assistance. And Briatore — who enjoyed success alongside the German speedster during his formative years in F1 with Benetton before he moved to become to Ferrari — says he speaks often with Schumacher's family. He confirmed that the seven-time world title winner is bed-bound. Briatore's update follows a claim by his ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who said Schumacher 'doesn't speak'. 'He communicates with his eyes,' she said. 'Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.' Claims that Schumacher can no longer speak were echoed by his son Mick in a 2021 Netflix documentary about his father's life. The 26-year-old driver said: 'I think dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now.' In the 2021 documentary, Corinna gave a rare update, revealing Schumacher is still undergoing rehabilitation and is 'different, but here' following his life-changing injuries. After Schumacher signed the charity helmet, Johnny Herbert (Schumacher's teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995) described it as an 'emotional' moment. He told FastSlots: 'It's wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet. 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.' Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, winning world titles in 1994, 1995 and five consecutive years from 2000 to 2004. He also racked up 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums during his racing career. When asked who the greatest driver of all time is, Briatore told Corriere de Sera: 'I don't know who the greatest is, because we've had Schumacher, Senna, Alonso. 'Now, the number one is definitely (Max) Verstappen. I have two cars at Alpine, so I would like to have two Verstappens.' - With The Nightly
7NEWS
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Michael Schumacher's good friend issues sad health update on Formula One legend
The latest Michael Schumacher health update is a sad one for fans of the Formula One legend. Schumacher's friend and former boss, Flavio Briatore, says he finds it incredibly hard to see the bedridden Schumacher. 'If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory,' Briatore told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera earlier this month. 'I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. 'Corinna and I talk often, though.' There was some hope Schumacher was 'on the mend' after a report emerged in April that he had contributed his initials, with the help of his wife Corinna, to a crash helmet which was auctioned for charity. It was his first sign of life in almost 12 year, and it raised the spirits of many. Schumacher, 56, has not been seen in public since a horrific skiing accident in 2013 left him with serious injuries requiring around-the-clock treatment and assistance. And Briatore — who enjoyed success alongside the German speedster during his formative years in F1 with Benetton before he moved to become to Ferrari — says he speaks often with Schumacher's family. He confirmed that the seven-time world title winner is bed-bound. Briatore's update follows a claim by his ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who said Schumacher 'doesn't speak'. 'He communicates with his eyes,' she said. 'Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.' Claims that Schumacher can no longer speak were echoed by his son Mick in a 2021 Netflix documentary about his father's life. The 26-year-old driver said: 'I think dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now.' In the 2021 documentary, Corinna gave a rare update, revealing Schumacher is still undergoing rehabilitation and is 'different, but here' following his life-changing injuries. After Schumacher signed the charity helmet, Johnny Herbert (Schumacher's teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995) described it as an 'emotional' moment. He told FastSlots: 'It's wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet. 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.' Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, winning world titles in 1994, 1995 and five consecutive years from 2000 to 2004. He also racked up 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums during his racing career. When asked who the greatest driver of all time is, Briatore told Corriere de Sera: 'I don't know who the greatest is, because we've had Schumacher, Senna, Alonso. 'Now, the number one is definitely (Max) Verstappen. I have two cars at Alpine, so I would like to have two Verstappens.'
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
‘I prefer to remember him smiling': Flavio Briatore explains why he stays away from Michael Schumacher
More than a decade after Michael Schumacher 's life-altering skiing crash, former Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore has offered one of the few fresh glimpses into the F1 legend's closed world. Speaking to Italy's Corriere della Sera , and echoed in follow-up coverage across international outlets, the 74-year-old said he still speaks with Schumacher's wife, Corinna, but chooses not to visit the seven-time world champion at their Swiss home. His reasons shed light on both a long, private friendship and the painful reality of Schumacher's condition. A friend who keeps his distance 'If I close my eyes, I see Michael smiling after a victory. I'd rather remember him like that than see him lying in bed,' Briatore told the paper. Those words capture a dilemma familiar to many who have watched loved ones suffer catastrophic injury: the pull between loyalty and the wish to preserve happier memories. Schumacher, 56, has not been seen in public since the off-piste accident in Méribel, France, on 29 December 2013, which left him with severe brain trauma. In steady touch with Corinna Although he stays away physically, Briatore said the lines of communication remain open. 'Corinna and I talk often,' he revealed, underscoring the mutual trust that still links Schumacher's inner circle to the man who first spotted the German's talent in the early 1990s. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo Corinna has famously guarded her husband's privacy, releasing virtually no medical detail beyond confirming that he continues rehabilitation at their Lake Geneva estate. Briatore's comment respects that secrecy while hinting at the solidarity friends maintain from a distance. The Benetton bond that changed F1 Briatore's connection to Schumacher runs deep: as Benetton team principal he fast-tracked a 22-year-old rookie into the seat in 1991, then built the outfit around him. Schumacher repaid that faith with back-to-back world titles in 1994 and 1995—championships that launched a career which ultimately tied Lewis Hamilton's record of seven crowns. That shared history explains why Briatore's words carry weight; few others were as close during the German's meteoric rise. A guarded legacy, a public yearning Since the accident, official updates on Schumacher have been scant. Even small gestures—like fellow great Sir Jackie Stewart carrying a helmet bearing the initials 'MS' during a Bahrain GP lap earlier this year—make headlines because information is so rare. Briatore's decision 'not to intrude,' as some supporters interpret it, reinforces the family's stance: Michael's recovery is private, and memories of his brilliance on track remain the picture they wish the world to keep. Why Briatore's stance matters Fans, sponsors and former colleagues still crave news of one of motorsport's biggest icons. Yet Briatore's comments remind observers that respect sometimes means restraint. By choosing memories of a champion lifting trophies over the reality of long-term care, he signals that Schumacher's competitive spirit—not his injury—should define his story. As the F1 paddock rolls on without the driver who once owned its record books, that perspective may be the closest thing to an update the public receives—and, Briatore suggests, perhaps the fairest way to honor a friend. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
TimesLIVE
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
De Meo's exit changes nothing for Alpine F1 team, Briatore says
The departure from Renault of CEO Luca de Meo changes nothing for the French carmaker's Alpine Formula One team, de facto principal Flavio Briatore told Reuters on Sunday. Renault announced De Meo was leaving shortly after the newspaper Le Figaro reported he will take over the leadership of the luxury group Kering. Briatore, a title-winning boss of the Benetton and Renault F1 teams, returned to Formula One a year ago as executive adviser to De Meo and has been running the team since Oliver Oakes resigned as principal. Briatore has denied being tasked to improve the team's performance before selling it. Alpine are currently last of the 10 teams. 'Nothing, absolutely nothing,' Briatore said when asked after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal what De Meo's departure changed for the team. 'Nothing changed for me. Not for me or the team. And congratulations to Luca, new job,' he said. Alpine will compete with Mercedes power units next season after Renault decided last September to end engine production at its Viry-Chatillon factory outside Paris. The team, whose investors include Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, are alone in using Renault power units. De Meo said last October that Renault were spending up to €250m (R5.19bn) a year on engine production while buying in from another manufacturer would cost less than $20m (R358.94m).
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
De Meo's exit changes nothing for Alpine F1 team, Briatore says
FILE PHOTO: Renault Group's CEO Luca de Meo attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo De Meo's exit changes nothing for Alpine F1 team, Briatore says MONTREAL - The departure from Renault of chief executive Luca de Meo changes nothing for the French carmaker's Alpine Formula One team, de facto principal Flavio Briatore told Reuters on Sunday. Renault announced Luca De Meo was leaving shortly after the newspaper Le Figaro reported he will take over the leadership of the luxury group Kering. Briatore, a title-winning boss of the Benetton and Renault F1 teams, returned to Formula One a year ago as executive adviser to De Meo and has been running the team since Oliver Oakes resigned as principal. Briatare has denied being tasked to improve the team's performance prior to selling it. Alpine are currently last of the 10 teams. "Nothing, absolutely nothing," Briatore said when asked after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal what De Meo's departure changed for the team. "Nothing changed for me. Not for me or the team. And congratulations to Luca, new job," he said. Alpine will compete with Mercedes power units next season after Renault decided last September to end engine production at its Viry-Chatillon factory outside Paris. The team, whose investors include Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, are currently alone in using Renault power units. De Meo said last October that Renault were spending up to 250 million euros ($289 million) a year on engine production while buying in from another manufacturer would cost less than $20 million. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
