Jean Todt may know Michael Schumacher better than anyone who is not a family member, and he believes there is a common misconception about the Formula 1 legend. One of only two seven-time world champions in the sport’s history, Schumacher is revered by many for his achievements but was also seen by some as arrogant, given his penchant for sometimes racing too hard in his quest to win.

But Todt, the team principal at Ferrari back when the German won five titles in a row – a partnership which transcended the sport and made Schumacher an international superstar even outside of motorsport circles – argues that those who think of him as an arrogant person are “completely” wrong.

And Todt is well-qualified to speak on the subject, given his long stint working with Schumacher which blossommed into a friendship which has endured over the decades. The Frenchman remains a close family friend and is one of very fiew outsiders still permitted to visit Schumacher’s bedside, as the racing legend continues to recover from life-changing injuries suffered in a 2013 skiing accident.

“Michael is quite a fragile human being, not the typical hard voice of somebody who knows better than the others,” Todt told the High Performance Podcast. “I will give you an example, which for me was amazing and significant of who Michael is.

“After he was world champion, before starting the new season, he asked me to go back to a private track in Fiorano. He said, ‘Could you give me half a day where I’m going to do some testing to make sure I’m still good?’ I think it’s a big strength not to be sure to be good.”

So when asked if he felt some were incorrect to assume Scdhumacher is an arrogant person, Todt replied: “Completely.” He added: “Michael is a kind of shy, generous guy. But he hides his shyness by looking arrogant. I don’t think you do that to help you. I think it’s in your character, in your genes, you are like that.”

And Todt explained that he saw that “very quickly” as their bond strengthened before even their successful period in the early-2000s. He said: “The problem was we had to fight going back in ’97. He realised that he was protected, he realised he was loved so it goes both ways. So one after the other, it went from a professional relationship to a friend and family relationship.”

Updates about Schumacher and his condition are few and far between. Schumacher’s wife Corinna continues to be fiercely protective of his privacy, even more so these days because of several attempts by bad actors – some successful – to exploit the family. Interviews have also been rare, though Schumacher’s daughter Gina-Maria recently gave one to a new documentary about her equestrian career.

In it, she said: “After dad’s accident, I really threw myself into it because I had to do something. The horses have always been important. But since then they’ve really been… I mean, I couldn’t do without horses. They helped me get through everything. I’m grateful that I can do this. It’s not something to take for granted. My parents made it possible.”