Secretive Inner Circle of Michael Schumacher: A Closer Look

Michael Schumacher's friendship circle has shrunk since his ski accident. Only a few close friends are allowed to visit him.

Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest race car drivers of all time, could have had his pick of friends, from fellow F1 legends to the rich and famous outside of Motorsports. However, after his tragic ski accident that left him fighting for his life, the iconic German's friendship group has been trimmed down as his family continues to keep his health a secret and his inner circle small.

A decade ago, the retired seven-times world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not traveling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first, splitting his helmet into two and requiring two lifesaving operations.

Placed in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling, Schumacher has never been seen in public since and health updates have been rare. His wife, Corinna, has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery, including forming a tight-knit group of people allowed to see him and those who cannot. She has cut out certain people for various reasons, including keeping the family's privacy a priority and for the sake of Schuey.

Jean Todt, the ex-F1 boss, has been close to Michael for over 30 years and is one of the only people outside of his family who has publicly spoken about the German's well-being and what he gets up to these days. He revealed that he and Michael watch F1 races together when Jean visits the seven-time world champion at his Geneva home. Since the accident, Jean has always been adamant that the Schumacher family should be left alone and not made to discuss Michael.

Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's press officer and manager, has been in a coveted role for over 13 years, responsible for keeping Schumacher's life in check and helping him stay organized. She has been seen as one of the most powerful members of the inner circle, keeping on top of the press and trying her best to keep them in line with whatever Michael did and didn't want to do.

Luca Badoer, an ex-Ferrari test driver, has stayed in contact with Schumacher and is welcomed in by the family. He respects their wishes and the family's desire to keep some things a complete secret.

Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher's former teammate, has been banned from seeing the superstar. Despite being critical of the way he felt he was treated during his time at Ferrari, Barrichello has been excluded from visiting Schumacher.

Willi Weber, the long-term manager of the F1 champion, has been barred from seeing Michael and now fears he will never see his former protégé again. He has been critical in the press about the family, accusing them of not being honest to the public about Schumacher's condition.

Eddie Jordan, the famed founder of Jordan Grand Prix, was apparently blocked after putting in a request to visit Michael and see how he was. He has since stayed in contact with Michael's famous son Mick but still hasn't met the slowly recovering Schumacher.