Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his devastating snowboarding accident in December 2013, with solely a choose few allowed to go to the System 1 icon
Updates on the situation and well being of System 1 legend Michael Schumacher have been scarce intimately to say the least since his snowboarding accident in December 2013.
After placing his head on a rock whereas snowboarding within the French Alps, Schumacher sustained life-threatening accidents and has since then been avoided the general public eye, receiving 24-hour medical care at his household’s house close to Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Earlier this month, Flavio Briatore revealed he has common chats with Schumacher’s spouse, Corinna.
Briatore, below whom Schumacher clinched his first two F1 titles with Benetton, advised Italian title Corriere della Sera: “If I shut my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. I desire to recollect him like that somewhat than him simply mendacity on a mattress. Corinna and I discuss usually, although.”
That adopted a extra detailed replace from Briatore’s ex-wife, Elisabetta Gregoraci, who claimed: “Michael would not converse, he communicates along with his eyes. Solely three individuals can go to him and I do know who they’re.”
Following these updates, here’s what we all know to be true and false about Schumacher’s situation…
Daughter’s wedding ceremony declare ‘faux’
Reviews emerged final yr that Schumacher attended daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding ceremony to Iain Bethke in Majorca.
Whereas the Schumachers do personal a property on the island, claims that Michael was there as his daughter was tying the knot had been branded “faux information”.
Former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert stated: “Sadly, from what I perceive, that was all A1 faux information and no fact in it.”
Helmet signing
Earlier this yr, it emerged that Schumacher penned his signature on a helmet for fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart’s dementia charity. The seven-time world champion signed his initials ‘MS’ on the helmet with the assistance of Corinna
The merchandise is because of go below the hammer to assist Stewart’s Race In opposition to Dementia charity, which the three-time world champion began when his spouse Helen was recognized with the sickness.
Stewart advised the Day by day Mail: “It’s great that Michael may signal the helmet on this worthy trigger, a illness for which there isn’t any remedy.”
Nevertheless, he additionally made clear Schumacher wasn’t alone in guaranteeing he may make the gesture. Stewart additionally revealed: “His spouse helped him, and it accomplished the set of each single champion nonetheless with us.”
Watching races with former boss
Amongst the Schumacher household’s inside circle is Jean Todt, Michael’s boss at Ferrari throughout his extraordinary five-year streak of F1 championships from 2000 to 2004.
This French motorsport government has given occasional updates on his good friend’s well-being whereas steadfastly defending the household’s privateness stance. Earlier this yr, he advised La Repubblica: “The household has determined to not reply the query [on his condition], a selection that I respect.
“I see him usually and with affection, him and his household. Our bond goes past the previous work. It’s a part of my life, which right this moment could be very removed from System 1.”
Todt had beforehand confided in watching F1 races with Schumacher, as he advised German broadcaster RTL in 2022: “I do not miss Michael. I see him. Sure, it is true, I watch races with Michael. However positive, I suppose what I miss is what we used to do collectively.”
In a heartfelt admission to L’Equipe in 2023, Todt acknowledged the fact of Schumacher’s situation, saying: “[He] is solely not the Michael he was. He’s completely different and is splendidly guided by his spouse and youngsters, who defend him.”
Schumacher’s inside circle
Earlier this yr, RTL’s Felix Gorner stated that Schumacher is “fully dependant” on caregivers and “can not specific himself verbally”.
Gorner claimed that 20 individuals have entry to the previous Mercedes driver, a strict selection by the household to guard his privateness. That ought to come as no shock, as Schumacher was fiercely protecting of his household’s privateness throughout the peak of his racing fame.
‘Michael is right here’
Corinna, in a uncommon second of openness throughout the 2021 Netflix documentary ‘Schumacher’, stated: “Michael is right here. Totally different, however he is right here, and that provides us energy, I discover,” she shared with followers.
“We dwell collectively at house. We do remedy. We do all the pieces we are able to to make Michael higher and to verify he is snug, and to easily make him really feel our household, our bond. And it doesn’t matter what, I’ll do all the pieces I can. All of us will.”
