A handout released by FIA on Oct 23, 2009 showing Schumacher embracing Todt after his election as the new FIA's president in Paris.
PARIS: Outgoing FIA president Jean Todt has paid tribute to German Formula One icon Michael Schumacher at the gala of the ruling motor sport body.
"I miss Michael here among us," Todt said on Thursday night. "Because he is part of my life and will always be. We have built up so many things together because we suffered together. That made us stronger."
Todt was team principal at Ferrari and Schumacher the star driver of the Scuderia where they built up a strong team and Schumacher took five world titles in a row 2000-2004.
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Todt was elected FIA president in 2009, and, looking at the fact that the candidates bidding to succeed him can bring six people each in support, recalled what he did 12 years ago.
"I remember that I had three people with me. My wife, Michael and my son. It is something I will never forget," Todt said.
Todt is among few people who have access to Schumacher and his family after the seven-time world champion's skiing accident in December 2013.
Schumacher suffered severe head injuries and has been kept out of the public eye by his family ever since. His health condition is unknown.
