"Bernie Ecclestone refuses to visit Michael Schumacher" has been written quite a lot the last few days. The first thing I think when I read something like that is "Yes, our crazy F1 grandfather strikes again!". But this time I completely agree with the old man. If you have known Schumacher as long as Mr E has known him, seeing him in this state must be heartbreaking.Ecclestone was there in the glory days, the good years, the back-to-back victories and titles. Like must of us, when he thinks of Schumacher he thinks about the legend, the phenomenal driver, determination, driving on the limit and sometimes over that limit. That was Michael Schumacher. No, that is Schumacher. And I understand that this sounds very naive but this way it is easier to keep faith.
And it's clear even Ecclestone needs to be naive to deal with this situation. "I don't want to see Michael like that. I remember Michael as he was. That is how I want to see Michael. If he comes back, that is how I want Michael to be", he was quoted in a French magazine. Many negative reactions came after the words of the F1 boss, saying that he isn't a good friend for the German and his family and only thinks about himself and his emotions. But I understand Ecclestone, the image he and most of us have of Schumi is so much better than the image we would have if we could see the state he's in now. I honestly think we don't even want to see him the way he is now because it would ruin everything. From that moment on, Schumacher would be a patient, not a driver or a champion.
As like most of us, Ecclestone just keeps hoping Schumacher will recover and will be back the way he was.
Realistically? Probably not. I'm not a doctor but even I realize that after 18 months, chances of a full recovery are limited. But even then, staying positive and keeping faith is the most important thing. And remembering Michael as he fighter he was, he still is and he will always be. Keep fighting legend, and hopefully see you again someday.
Just as a little extra, this story made me think about the Furious 7 soundtrack "See you again". You can find the video clip here
It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
Catya Leroux
