“A Fragile Human Being!” Jean Todt Exposes Prominent Michael Schumacher Misconception
Ferrari legend Jean Todt has shared his thoughts on the supposed arrogance of seven times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.
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Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt (Via espanol.motorsport.com)
One of the major conceptions about seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher is that, Ferrari legend was an arrogant driver. Many fans saw this as the German racing legends’ superior confidence being mis-interpreted. But according to ex-Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has explained that there is more to the story.
On his latest appearance on the High-Performance podcast, the Formula One legend talked about how Michael Schumacher was a misunderstood human being. He asserted that the veteran, who is unfortunately is in a coma due to a skiing accident years ago, was fragile human being like many and insisted the racer was not the typical hard voice like other supposedly arrogant racers.
Michael is quite a fragile human being. Not the typical hard voice of somebody who knows better than the others. I will give you an example, which for me was amazing and significant of what is Michael.
Jean Todt said recently.
He backed his argument by recalling a moment from the 1997 pre-season, where the Ferrari was working hard behind the scenes to defend their championship. Michael Schumacher went to the Fiorano track in Italy to test the car more to make sure he still had it in him. It showed a person that knew his limitation and was vulnerable, unlike the prominent belief about him.
After he was world champion, before starting the new season, he asked me to go back to a private track in Fiorano. He said, ‘Could you give me half a day where I’m going to do some testing to make sure I’m still good?’ I think it’s a big strength not to be sure to be good.
Jean Todt added via High Performance podcast.
Jean Todt calls Michael Schumacher kind and shy
Further talking about the point, Jean Todt explained how Schumacher was a shy and generous person. He hid that shyness by appearing arrogant. Hence only the people that were close to the racing driver clearly understood who he really was as a person.
Completely. Michael is a kind of shy, generous guy. But he hides his shyness by looking arrogant. I don’t think you do that to help you. I think it’s in your character, in your genes, you are like that.
Jean Todt said.
In the same conversation later, the veteran explained how the relationship with him and Schumacher improved in the 1997 season. Their bond evolved from being co-workers to family/friend because Schumacher realized Todt got his back.
I mean, very quickly, because the problem was we had to fight going back in ’97. He realised that he was protected, he realised he was loved so it goes both ways. So, one after the other, it went from a professional relationship to a friend and family relationship.
Jean Todt added.
The comments from Todt shows if an F1 driver wants to be as successful as Schumacher, they need to learn to both intimidating as well as caring at the same time. It will help them to build strong and successful relationships.
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