Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher receives the State Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Few people in Germany have shaped an entire sport in such a way, says Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst. Schumacher’s wife and children will accept the award.

Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher (53) receives the State Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to the sporting successes of the former racing driver, this is also intended to honor his social commitment and services to his homeland, said Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst. “There are few people in Germany who have shaped an entire sport like Michael Schumacher has shaped racing,” said the CDU politician about the native Rhinelander.

Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his children Gina and Mick will receive the award on July 20 at Motorworld in Cologne. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion had a serious accident while skiing in the French Alps in 2013. He is still recovering from the severe craniocerebral trauma he suffered when he fell on a rock, isolated from the public with his family. Details about Michael Schumacher’s health are not known.

“His talent and his irrepressible diligence have made Michael Schumacher an extraordinary racing driver and a hero for millions of fans,” said NRW Prime Minister Wüst. Schumacher is still one of the outstanding personalities in global sports history and remains a role model for many people.

Wüst also acknowledged Schumacher’s commitment as a special ambassador for UNESCO. The racer also donated a lot of money to charity. The eulogy for Schumacher will be held by his companion Jean Todt, who used to be a Ferrari team boss and then president of the International Automobile Association.

The State Prize is the highest award of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Most recently, it was awarded to former Federal Environment Minister Klaus Töpfer in 2019. In the past two years there was no honor due to the corona pandemic.

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