Bernie Ecclestone explains why he can't visit Michael Schumacher

Schumacher has been left with serious head injuries after suffering a ski accident in Meribel 17 months ago and Ecclestone says he cannot bring himself to visit the German at his home.

The F1 legend was eventually moved back to his home near Lake Geneva last year where he has been recovering from his injuries with the support of a dedicated medical team and his family.

Prior to that, he underwent two operations to reduce swelling from the brain at Grenoble University Hospital before being transferred to another in Lausanne.

Despite being close to Schumacher during the German's racing days at Ferrari, Ecclestone has admitted that he cannot accept the current situation and is not able to visit him.

“I don’t want to see Michael like that,” Ecclestone said in an interview with F1 Racing magazine.

“I remember Michael as he was. That is how I want to see Michael.

"If he comes back, that is how I want Michael to be.”

The pair reportedly used to play backgammon in Bernie’s motorhome during race weekends in what turned out to be an unlikely friendship on the circuit.

Ecclestone now simply wants to remember the good times he shared with the legendary driver, who also raced for Mercedes, Benetton and Jordan.

The Independent's view of his comments on Schumacher is certainly sympathetic.

"Having been at the helm of F1 since the 70s, Ecclestone rarely shows his compassionate side - but his comments regarding Schumacher shows that, despite opinion, Ecclestone can express his emotions, especially on his memories of seeing Schumacher at the height of his powers."