Friend Of Michael Schumacher Speaks Out With Emotional Message To Former F1 Champion
Rossella Giannini, the owner of a popular restaurant in Maranello, Italy, has paid tribute to seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, who she says was a regular at her eatery during his time with Ferrari.
Schumacher, who won five of his seven Formula 1 championships with Ferrari, used to dine in the kitchen alongside then-team principal Jean Todt, in a bid to avoid the crowds outside.
Giannini spoke to Bild about her memories of Schumacher, saying:
"I think about him every day. I also have a lot of photos of him here, so of course I think a lot about him. I miss him. I miss my friend."
Schumacher's F1 record of seven world championships was equalled by Lewis Hamilton in 2020, but his status as a Ferrari icon remains unmatched.
Ferrari has struggled to replicate the glory years that Schumacher brought to the team, with their last drivers' championship coming in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen. Giannini continued:
"I've been waiting for victory since 2007. I'm still hoping for it."
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time F1 champion with Red Bull, was once seen as the man to bring the glory days back to Ferrari. However, he was unable to replicate Schumacher's success and has since moved on to Aston Martin.
"When Sebastian first came, I discovered similarities between Sebastian and Michael. I had hoped that he could also become world champion with Ferrari. Unfortunately, neither he nor anyone else became world champion."
The Schumacher legacy continues with Michael's son, Mick Schumacher, who followed in his father's footsteps by becoming an F1 driver. However, after a difficult season with Haas in 2022, Mick lost his full-time drive and will serve as a third-driver for Mercedes in 2022.
Speaking of Mick, Giannini added:
"I was very disappointed that he didn't extend because I think he was a good fit for Ferrari. But life goes on, I wish him the best."