Both teams hold up a banner that reads 'Keep fighting Michael' prior to the 'Champions for charity' football match between Nowitzki All Stars and Nazionale Piloti in honor of Michael Schumacher at Opel Arena on July 27, 2016 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo : Getty Images/Andreas Rentz)
Michael Schumacher will go down as one of the big names in the motorsports industry, a reason why some groups continue to back the retired racing legend. However, there are two companies who have decided to withdraw – Audemars Piguet and Hormann.
Both companies have withdrawn their support for Michael Schumacher, joining other companies who have done the same, Maquina do Esporte reported. Among the other companies who already pulled out sponsoring the F1 great include Jet Set, Navyboot, Rosbacher, and Erlinyou.
Watch maker Audemars Piguet did roll out a collection of watches in honor of Schumacher previously. Those are no longer included in the catalog. Curiously, It was also Audemars Piguet who made a video tribute that was released last year. Along with Hormann, both released some of the ads tied up to Schumi dating back to 2012 and 2013 – the year Schumacher suffered that unfortunate skiing accident in the Alps.
Despite the latest pullouts, most believe that Michael Schumacher has amassed more than enough to get through his current ordeal. He was feted as the fifth most successful athlete by Forbes in December 2016 with an estimated $1 billion in earnings.
Despite the growing list of companies opting to pull out their support for Michael Schumacher, Deutsche Vermogenberatung remains among the big groups still around. In fact the company is extending its sponsorship to the F1 great’s son Mick.
Mick Schumacher is scheduled to race in the F3 next year, a big step towards following his father to F1 greatness. The 17-year-old has been has been advancing in the racing world, finishing runner-up in the German and Italian Formula 4 last year under Prema Powerteam.
As far as the financial and health status of Michael Schumacher, both are kept under wraps. Michael Schumacher’s wife, Corrina, did sell off some assets such as their private plane and resort but all were done since these were perks Schumi would no longer enjoy in the event he does get back a normal life.
His medical condition remains confined to the family circle as news mediums settle for meager statements coming from select friends who have visited Michael Schumacher.
For those unfamiliar with the Audemars Piguet watch collection of Michael Schumacher, check out the video below.
