Here are the statements of former CEO and sporting director of Scuderia Ferrari, Jean Todt, reflecting on the past and future of the Maranello team, as well as his bond with Michael Schumacher.
In an exclusive interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Jean Todt, the Midas touch behind Scuderia Ferrari’s golden era, shared his thoughts on some of the topics closest to his heart. He reflected on his bond with Michael Schumacher and his contribution to Maranello, which allowed the team to experience the most glorious period in its history.
The former Ferrari team principal, who later worked with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), now serves as the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, fighting what he calls “this silent pandemic of road accident victims.” Despite his current role, he continues to nurture the friendship forged in the Ferrari garage with Michael Schumacher.
Being one of the few who still have access to the former Ferrari driver, Todt refrained from making statements about Schumacher’s health: “The family does not want details to be made public, and I respect that decision. I see him regularly and with great affection. Our bond goes beyond our professional past. He is part of my life, even now that he is far from Formula 1. My time in Italy is not only linked to Michael, even though he was an important and visible piece of the puzzle. He had exceptional talent, but also an exceptional team, which is crucial in motorsport and other sports “.

Jean Todt also spoke about Michael’s son, Mick Schumacher, who has been competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine since last year after concluding his stint in Formula 1 with Haas and later serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes: “I don’t think he was treated fairly in Formula 1. He drove an uncompetitive Haas, although a couple of crashes cost the team a lot. But in the end, he still finished ahead of his teammate. They dropped him for their own reasons, without giving him another chance—which I believe he deserved “.
Jean Todt on the Leclerc-Hamilton Pairing: “Competing Against a Champion Is Tough, but It’s an Opportunity”
Reflecting on his time as Ferrari’s team principal, Todt admitted that he has had no contact with the team since leaving the FIA, something that left him perplexed: “When I arrived in 1993, I found a ruined castle—there was nothing. The design department was in England, and the wind tunnel at headquarters was old and unusable. I called everyone together—I didn’t know any of the 300 people there at the time, and my Italian was basically just replacing A’s and O’s in French words. But little by little, we built a jewel. Alone, I would have achieved nothing “.
“The fourteen championships we won remain in the record books—it was the most successful period in Ferrari’s history. Since leaving, I’ve only spoken with a few team members. But after stepping down from the FIA, I haven’t had any further contact with them. I must admit I’m quite surprised, given the time I dedicated to this incredible company and the results we achieved ,” he recalled, reflecting on the team’s successes alongside the Red Baron.
Regarding Ferrari’s current era under Fred Vasseur’s leadership, Todt commented: “The Leclerc-Sainz pairing was very strong—no one can say they lost because of the drivers. The Leclerc-Hamilton duo is equally strong.” .
“But I don’t know if it will be better than the previous one, just as I can’t predict whether 2025 will be a favorable year. Only the car’s performance will tell us. Competing against a champion like Hamilton is difficult, but in my opinion, it’s an opportunity—the same one George Russell had. Everyone wants to outperform their teammate “, Todt concluded, highlighting the growth opportunity that Ferrari’s golden boy will face in this new Formula 1 season alongside the seven-time world champion.
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