Flavio Briatore says he has chosen not to visit his old friend and former driver Michael Schumacher since the skiing accident that left the seven-time world champion with severe brain damage in late 2013.
Together, Briatore and Schumacher achieved great success at Benetton, winning back-to-back world championships in 1994 and 1995 before Schumacher moved to Ferrari and secured five more titles.
Now 75 and back in the Formula 1 paddock as executive advisor at Alpine, Briatore told RTL that he hasn't seen Schumacher since just before the accident.
"We last saw each other at a boxing event in Germany, a few months before his terrible skiing accident," he said.
Unlike the small circle of friends and family permitted to visit Schumacher in his current condition, Briatore said he will not ask wife Corinna for access.
"I want to remember Michael as he was – full of energy and strength," he said.
"He wouldn't want me to remember him the way he is now."
Despite his decision, Briatore spoke warmly of Schumacher and his impact.
"Michael and his family were a big part of the success, including my personal success," he said.
"I want to keep those moments – they were amazing."
He also praised Corinna Schumacher for her strength since the accident.
"She's very courageous. She did a great job to keep the family together."
