While respecting the family’s desire for privacy regarding Schumacher’s health, Hopkins made a sobering observation about the former racing champion. In a recent interview with Sportbible, as quoted by the Mirror, he said: “I haven’t heard anything recently.

“I understand he has a Finnish doctor, a personal doctor. I don’t think we’ll see Michael again. I’m slightly uncomfortable talking about his condition because of how secretive, for the right reasons, the family wants to keep it.

“So I can make a remark, have an opinion, but I’m not in that inner circle. I’m not Jean Todt [ex-Ferrari team principal], I’m not Ross Brawn [ex-Ferrari technical director], I’m not Gerhard Berger, who visit Michael. I’m a long way from that.”

Hopkins first became friends with Schumacher during the 1990s while working at McLaren and later in a senior role at Red Bull. On the F1 legend’s health, he added: “I can’t say I’m best friends with Jean Todt, or Ross, or Gerhard.

“I think even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend, and you asked how well Michael was, and even if you plied Ross with a lot of good red wine, I don’t think he would open up and share.

“I think there is that respect with anybody who goes to visit Michael not to share anything. That’s the way the family wants it to be. I think that’s fair and respectful towards the family. Even if I did know, the family would be disappointed if I shared anyway.”