His condition has been kept relatively private

The ex-Ferrari boss, Todt, is one of a few select people who is allowed to visit Schumacher following his near-fatal skiing accident back in 2013.

Speaking to La Repubblica, Todt said: "The family has decided not to answer the question (on his condition). A choice that I respect.

"I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. Our bond goes beyond the past work.

"It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1."

The seven-time Formula One world champion suffered life-changing injuries during an accident in 2013.

The former racing driver requires round-the-clock care following his accident in the French Alps over a decade ago.

At the time, he was skiing with his son when, despite wearing a helmet, he hit his head on a rock.

He was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital where he underwent two surgical interventions before being placed in a medically induced coma for several months.

The 55-year-old returned to his home at Lake Geneva in September 2014 where he has been cared for by his doting wife Corinna and their team of medical professionals ever since.

Schumacher’s condition has been kept private ever since with only a few friends and family able to visit him.