Todt reveals visit to Schumacher, and a race they watched together!

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It's a well-known fact that Jean Todt is among the rare people who have access to Michael Schumacher, and the FIA president has revealed that he paid the F1 legend a visit last month.

Not much is known of Schumacher's condition almost five years after his sustaining a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps, and the family's inner circle - which includes Todt - are not giving anything away, a state of affairs that has often led to wild speculation in the media.

In an interview with Germany's Auto-Bild, Todt said that he had traveled to Gland, in Switzerland, where the Schumacher family resides, where the former Ferrari boss and the seven-time world champion watched the Brazilian Grand Prix on TV!

"I’m actually always cautious when I say something," said Todt. "But it’s true that I watched the Brazilian Grand Prix in Switzerland with Michael."

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That’s as much information as the 72-year-old divulged, at least with regard to Schumacher, for Todt was a lot more open about his frustrating experience as a mere F1 fan and viewer.

Watching the race last November from Interlagos on RTL, the Frenchman admitted to have not been impressed by what he saw, mainly because of the absence of a split-screen during the broadcaster's commercial breaks.

"I was very frustrated because I couldn’t believe my eyes after five minutes," he said.

"When I watch a race, I always have an iPad lying next to me with all the times. That’s why advertising doesn’t bother me so much.

"I also understand that private broadcasters finance their coverage in this way and that the procedure complies with the law.

"But I would have wished for one of those little windows in the corner where I wouldn’t miss the race completely. When I see a race, I want to be able to understand it."

Todt refrained from criticizing RTL's crew of anchors and commentators however.

"The reporters and commentators are very competent," he added.

"I didn’t want to criticize that. I know how difficult this job is. I wouldn’t want to do that and I always advised Michael against it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.