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The Formula 1 record world champions Michael Schumacher (51) and Lewis Hamilton (35) were honored with “Special Prizes from President” Jean Todt at the gala of the World Automobile Federation Fia.

On Friday evening, Corinna Schumacher accepted an award for special commitment on behalf of her husband.

The event was actually supposed to take place in Munich.

Because of the corona pandemic, the big gala turned into a video event in a Geneva hotel with a few guests, including Corinna Schumacher.

A surprise.

The strong woman of the Schumacher family appears very rarely in public.

But in Geneva she made an exception to accept the award on behalf of her husband.

Todt is a close family friend.

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“He loved racing so much,” said Corinna Schumacher of her husband, who has been sheltered from the public since a serious skiing accident on December 29, 2013: “Michael always had a big heart for people who need something.”

Michael Schumacher donated more than $ 20 million

Kerpener, who set up his own foundation with the “Keep Fighting Foundation”, was honored for his commitment to the Fia’s road safety campaigns and explicitly for his charitable work.

A number was also mentioned: He is said to have donated more than $ 20 million to charity in his life.

"It was a pleasure for him to do all these things," said his wife: "With the Keep-Fighting Foundation we want to continue the things that he initiated."

Todt also found moving words.

"Michael was always ready to support anything that helps society," said the Frenchman, who used to be the team boss of Schumacher's world championship titles with Ferrari.

Addressing Schumacher and Hamilton, he said: "We need people with leadership qualities and with passion."

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The Schumacher family was represented twice among the award winners: Corinna's and Michael's son Mick (21) received his cup for the championship in Formula 2 at the event.

Hamilton, who caught up with the German in his seventh World Drivers' Championship this season and was connected from his home country Great Britain, was honored because he is strongly committed to diversity.

In the fight against racism he has set up his own commission.

“I was always alone in this sport.

I have never met any other black family.

I've been in Formula 1 for 14 years, but nothing has changed when it comes to diversity, "said Hamilton:" When I asked the leaders of our sport why there is no more diversity in Formula 1, they couldn't answer me . "

Corinna Schumacher during the gala in Geneva, in the background a photo of her husband Michael

Source: FIA via Getty Images / Harold Cunningham