“[But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That’s all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”

Michael’s brother Ralf also agreed with the sentiment of the message, conceding that the 55-year-old is not the man that he once was due to the impact of the injuries and surgery.