APRIL 22, 2015

Manager guarding Schumacher's privacy

Michael Schumacher's manager is reportedly working hard to keep news about the health of her famous client quiet.

Michael Schumacher's manager is reportedly working hard to keep news about the health of her famous client quiet.

Ever since the F1 legend and seven time world champion was injured in a late 2013 skiing fall, the Schumacher circle has carefully guarded its privacy.

Italy's Autosprint claims this has been especially true over the past few months, during which there was barely any news at all about the health of the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver.

"This silence among the media in Germany and Switzerland is especially surprising," said the report, "as they would have more direct sources.

"The explanation lies in the conduct of Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, who systematically sends legal letters threatening lawsuits when a newspaper spreads the slightest information about the health of the German driver."

Autosprint added: "And the medical staff that assists Schumacher at home signed a series of very restrictive confidentiality clauses."

The situation might be sharply contrasted with the approach of Jules Bianchi's family, in the wake of the young Frenchman's horror Suzuka crash late last year.

More than six months into the former Marussia driver's coma, his father Philippe told Nice-Matin newspaper this month that there is little news to report.

But he wanted to give an interview "out of respect for all the people who continue to send Jules beautiful messages of affection and encouragement every day".

"Those people who think of him and pray for him are fabulously motivating," Mr Bianchi added. "I am sure Jules hears them!

"Today I want to thank them all again, and tell them that we will give news whether it is good or bad," he said.

(GMM)