MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’s wife burst into tears as the Formula 1 legend was honored with an award in an emotional ceremony.
The 53-year-old Germanwho won the drivers’ championship seven times between 1994 and 2004, has not been seen in public since his horrific, life-changing skiing accident in 2013.
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And since then, his family has kept his condition private.
However, on Wednesday the Ferrari icon was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
His son Mick, who drives for F1 outfit Haas, was unable to attend due to illness.
But Michael’s wife Corinna, 53, and daughter Gina-Maria, 25, were on hand to accept the honor on his behalf.
They were joined on the podium by former FIA president and Ferrari chief Jean Todt.
Those in attendance at the ceremony paid tribute to Schumacher with a standing ovation.
And the gesture led to Corinna bursting into tears in what was an incredibly poignant moment.
After the event, Todt tweeted: “An emotional ceremony in Cologne honoring Michael Schumacher’s extraordinary career and charitable pursuits with Corinna, Gina, Mick Schumacher and Henrik Wust.
“I met Michael at Ferrari 30 years ago, he lived his passion and brought joy to millions of us!”
Responding to the standing ovation, Todt later told Bild: “It’s just natural. Nobody planned it so emotionally that tears were shed by Corinna, but sometimes it’s good not to always control yourself.”
Todt recently gave F1 fans a rare update on Schumacher’s condition.
He told the German TV channel RTL: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
“But of course, I think what I miss is what we used to do together.”
The iconic racer started 306 Grands Prix during his illustrious career and won 91 times.
He raced for 15 years between 1991 and 2006, before making a brief return in 2010 when he drove for Mercedes for three seasons.
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