More than a decade after the serious accident he suffered while skiing in the French Alps, Michael Schumacher’s state of health continues to be shrouded in absolute secrecy.
However, recent testimonies from people close to his entourage have once again shed light on the delicate situation the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is going through.
The accident that marked a before and an after
On December 29, 2013, Michael Schumacher suffered a fall while skiing off-piste in the French ski resort of Méribel. The blow against a rock caused him to suffer a severe craniocerebral trauma that forced doctors to perform emergency surgery and induce him into a coma for a long period.
The brain injuries resulting from that accident marked the beginning of a complex and lengthy medical process, of which hardly any official details have emerged over the years.
The family’s secrecy and permanent medical care
From the outset, the Schumacher family opted to preserve the former driver’s privacy: his wife, Corinna, decided to transfer his medical care to his residence in Majorca, which was adapted as a highly complex private clinic. There, Michael remains under constant supervision of a specialized medical team, available 24 hours a day.
Access to his entourage is extremely limited. Only a very small circle of trusted people has been able to see him over the years, including Jean Todt, former FIA president and close friend; Ross Brawn, a key figure in his most glorious period at Ferrari; and Gerhard Berger, former driver and personal confidant.
Occasional appearances and signs of life
September 2024 saw one of the most talked-about episodes surrounding Schumacher: his presence at his daughter Gina’s wedding. The event was held under strict security measures, including a total ban on cell phones or any recording device, in order to preserve the ex-driver’s privacy.
Months later, in April of this year, it was reported that Schumacher was flown by helicopter to Switzerland to meet his granddaughter Millie, born on March 20. In addition, it was also known that he participated (with the help of his wife) in the signing of a helmet of former driver Jackie Stewart, which was later auctioned for charity.
Testimonials that rekindle concern
Some statements made by people close to the driver’s entourage have had an impact on public opinion. Elisabetta Gregoraci, Flavio Briatore’s ex-wife, said after seeing him at Gina’s wedding that Schumacher “does not speak and communicates only with his eyes”, words that caused discomfort in his family for breaking the silence maintained for years.
More recently, Felix Gorner, journalist and person close to the Schumachers, assured that the former driver needs continuous care and is completely dependent on his assistants, pointing out that he can no longer communicate verbally. In the same vein, Richard Hopkins, former Red Bull chief operating officer and personal friend, told British media that he does not believe the public will ever see Michael Schumacher again.
Twelve years after the accident, Michael Schumacher’s state of health remains one of the biggest questions in world sport. While his family maintains a fierce defense of his privacy, the German driver’s legacy remains intact as one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1, even when his present is far from the spotlight and in absolute silence.
