Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan was banned from visiting his friend Michael Schumacher following his 2013 skiing accident by the star’s wife Corinna, but he understands why, according to a new interview.
Jordan cited Schumacher’s desire for privacy, which Corinna has been staunchly adhering to for nearly ten years, narrowing her circle of friends and enacting a “family only” rule for those who wish to visit the sports icon.
In an interview with the Sun through his participation in the betting firm OLGBJordan said he “made an effort to go see Michael in the early days” but refused.
Jordan said Corinna had made it clear that they ‘loved’ him but needed ‘privacy’ in protecting her husband and his condition.
As owner of the Jordan Grand Prix team, Jordan was the first to give Michael Schumacher his chance at Formula 1 with a one-time start at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.
Eddie Jordan now understands why Corinna Schumacher has demanded so much privacy for her husband Michael
The two have been close friends for many years, but Jordan (left) has not seen Michael Schumacher (right) since his accident.
The driver signed with Benetton for the remainder of the season, before moving on to Ferrari and Mercedes, racking up a record seven world championships in a legendary career.
After his skiing accident in 2013, Schumacher was in a medically induced coma for six months before continuing his convalescence at home from September 2014.
Jordan highlighted the ‘rules’ set by Corinna about visiting her husband.
‘Privacy is such a vital aspect to sports, business and your personal life. (Corinna) has set some rules, I know her very well.
“She’s a lovely girl and I met her here when she married Michael, so there’s a long history of good relationships.”
Jordan clarified: “I made an effort to go see Michael in the early days and Corinna refused, and rightfully so because too many people wanted to go see him.”
Jean Todt had the privilege of going to see him because of how close they were to their time together at Ferrari, which is completely understandable.
“I couldn’t go see Michael and they said, ‘We love you, Eddie, and we’ve been involved with you for a long time, but we need privacy and protection from Michael.'”
Todt, who was later appointed FIA president and served in the role for 22 years, previously revealed that when he visits his close friend, they often watch Formula 1 races together.
Jordan finished by sharing that he understands that the situation of Schumacher’s family and his concern for absolute privacy is ‘horrible’.
“This was the most horrible situation for Mick and Corinna,” he added.
‘It’s been almost ten years and Corinna hasn’t been able to go to a party or lunch or this or that, she’s like a prisoner because everyone would want to tell her about Michael when she doesn’t need to be reminded every minute.’
Jordan shared his concern for Schumacher’s son Mick, who is Mercedes’ reserve driver this season after being left out by Haas.
“It’s also difficult for Mick to try to make a career in motorsport. If Mick didn’t have this pressure from his father hanging over him, he would probably be a much better driver than we thought.
“However, it is his father and he has to understand and deal with it, but my thoughts are with him.”
Jordan has likened Corinna (pictured in 2005 with her husband) to ‘a prisoner’ in an impossible situation.
Mick Schumacher joined the Mercedes setup, ending a four-year partnership as a Ferrari junior driver after losing his seat at Haas.
“I don’t get around Mick often but I loved what he said about driving the Jordan car his dad had driven, it was a touch of nostalgia and very nice. However, Mick needs his own free space and his time, like all members of that family.
During last year’s Formula 1 season, while driving for the American constructor, Mick shared the advice his father gave him as he embarked on his own career: ‘Do what you love.’
“My father was always very supportive of everything I was doing in karting,” said Mick.
‘Of course. I think he tried to give me different approaches to see what was best for me, and in the end she always told me, ‘do what you love.’
