Ross Brawn has been forced to clarify comments regarding the condition of seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.
The former Ferrari technical director and Mercedes team boss has been at the centre of speculation over a sporting role once the Liberty Media takeover of F1 is complete next year.
However, the Briton was also asked about Schumacher, a man he has known since their Benetton days in the early 1990’s.
Some reports quoted Brawn as saying the German legend was “improving” but the 58-year-old claimed his words had been misinterpreted.
“We go and see him and hope and pray that one day he will make a recovery,” he told The Guardian.
“I was quoted as saying he’s improving and it was not what I really meant. The family are conducting his convalescence in private and I need to respect that.
“So I don’t want to comment on his condition beyond saying we’re extremely hopeful we’ll see Michael as we knew him at some point in the future.”
Indeed, there has been little news on Schumacher’s condition as we close in on three years since his skiing accident in the French Alps on December 28th, 2013.
Speaking about that day, Brawn admitted it was a difficult time for everyone who knew Michael.
“I was going up to Scotland for New Year and his PA called. We cancelled our plans and went to see him,” he said recalling how he learnt of Schumacher’s accident.
“It was terribly traumatic for the family – and shocking for us. Michael was such a strong character and all through his racing career he only suffered a broken leg. The irony of this happening during a quieter life was terrible.”
