- Spanish F1 expert faces severe backlash over recent comments on live TV
- Antonio Lobato referred to Schumacher’s physical condition
- New Mail Sport WhatsApp channel: receive the latest news and exclusives here
A Spanish F1 expert is facing calls to apologize after making a joke about Michael Schumacher’s fitness on live television.
Schumacher had a skiing accident in December 2013 and was left in a medically induced coma. Since then, he has not appeared publicly.
The former Formula 1 driver – seven times world champion – is being treated by a medical team and his wife Corinna, at their home in Lake Geneva.
Despite being hidden from the public eye for almost a decade, Schumacher’s name came up during recent discussions following the Japanese Grand Prix.
In a video that has now appeared on Twitterone pundit said: “Let (Red Bull engineer) Adrian Newey shake because Antonio Lobato is coming.”
Michael Schumacher (photo from 2005) has not appeared in public since a skiing accident in 2013
Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato (pictured) faces backlash for his comments about Schumacher after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Lobato himself responded: “May Michael tremble!” Well… not Michael, he can’t shake.
The 58-year-old journalist has since faced numerous calls to resign following the ill-tempered comment.
One fan wrote: “An apology from (Antonio Lobato) would be the minimum, a sign of decency. You don’t disrespect ANYONE like that, especially when thousands of people are watching you. Journalism in Spain has a very bright present and future with people like these,” they continued.
A second user posted: “Shocking to think this was an acceptable joke. He must apologize.
Earlier this month, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert – Schumacher’s Benetton teammate – revealed the legend is ‘no closer’ to returning to his old self.
“There is never any news. What we do know is that we never hear positive news,” Herbert said.
“It’s the horrible thought that he still isn’t able to be close to the Michael we all remember. And it’s very sad.
In April, a German magazine was branded “stupid” after promoting an “exclusive interview” with Michael Schumacher on the cover of its latest edition – only to later reveal that the fake quotes had been generated via artificial intelligence (AI). .
A secret remains regarding his state of health and heads were turned when the German magazine Die Aktuelle revealed an “exclusive interview” with the affected driver.
The cover, dated April 15, 2023, included the exclusive label, as well as a photo of a smiling Schumacher. They went on to claim that this was “the first interview” he had given since his skiing accident.
Schumacher’s wife Corinna (pictured together skiing in 2005) has kept his health private
German magazine Die Aktuelle claimed to have an “exclusive interview” with Michael Schumacher
The article, which does not feature a byline, continues before ending with an admission that the quotes are in fact false and that they did not speak to Schumacher or any family members.
“Did Michael Schumacher really say everything himself? The interview was online. On a page that concerns artificial intelligence, or AI for short,” concludes the now widely ridiculed article.
Immediately, F1 fans condemned the magazine for its “lack of decency” and “disgrace” for claiming to have spoken to Schumacher.
German media expert Boris Rosenkranz wrote a comment calling the stunt “Too stupid to be true.”
