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Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has claimed that people have the ‘completely wrong’ perception of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher, 57, is one of the best drivers in F1 history, having set countless records and won seven world titles.
The German drove for the likes of Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes during a career that spanned more than 15 years.
Schumacher enjoyed his peak years with Ferrari, transforming the team and winning five world titles in a row.
During what was an illustrious career, Schumacher built up a reputation as someone who would do everything to win.
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Jean Todt says people have the wrong perception of Michael Schumacher
Appearing on the High Performance podcast, Schumacher’s former team boss, Todt, claimed that people have the wrong perception of the F1 legend.
The Frenchman, who worked at Ferrari from 1994 to 2009, stated that Schumacher is ‘shy’ and ‘generous’.
When asked if Schumacher is an arrogant person, Todt said: “They’re completely wrong. He’s shy and generous. He hides his shyness by appearing arrogant.
“You don’t do that to get help; it’s just his personality. We were protecting each other. That’s how a professional relationship turned into a friendship. Michael Schumacher didn’t know how to cheat.”
READ MORE: Martin Brundle says Michael Schumacher would never have handled F1 grievances like Max Verstappen
Jean Todt explains why F1 great Michael Schumacher is ‘shy’
Todt went on to give an example of why Schumacher was ‘shy’ and ‘fragile’.
He said: “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.
“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.”
After leaving Ferrari in 2009, Todt became the president of the FIA, a post he held until December 2021.
During his career in motorsport, Todt won titles in events like the World Rally, the Dakar Rally, F1 and Le Mans.
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