The name of Michael Schumacher, undisputed legend of Formula 1, is once again at the center of public debate after the harsh confession of a close friend, who has spoken openly about the German’s current state more than a decade after the accident that changed his life forever.
On December 29, 2013, during a day of skiing in Méribel, Schumacher suffered a serious head injury that left him in an induced coma and marked the beginning of absolute secrecy on the part of his entourage. Since then, his state of health has been one of the best-kept secrets in world sport.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see Michael again”: shocking testimony
Richard Hopkins, former Red Bull chief operating officer and McLaren executive, and a personal friend of the seven-time champion, has once again given voice to the uncertainty. Speaking to Sport Bible, Hopkins acknowledged his discomfort in discussing the subject.
“I have not heard from him lately. I understand you have a medical end landés, his personal physician. I don’t think we will see Michael again. I’m a little uncomfortable talking about his health because, understandably, his family wants to keep it private.” he explained.
His words reinforce the idea that the former pilot’s situation remains extremely delicate, and that the possibility of seeing him in public again seems, according to him, very unlikely.
A minimum circle of trust
Throughout these years, only a handful of people have had access to the home where Schumacher has lived for years, far from any media spotlight. The key figure in this shielding is his wife Corinna, who is responsible for ensuring that no detail that could violate the driver’s privacy is leaked.
Hopkins explains it clearly when talking about those who are allowed to visit him: “I don’t have a very close relationship with Jean Todt, Ross or Gerhard. Even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend and asked him how Michael was doing, even if you offered him a nice red wine, I don’t think he would come clean.”
For him, loyalty to Schumacher is unquestionable: “I believe that whoever visits Michael should not reveal anything. That’s what the family wants. I think it’s the right thing to do and respectful to them. Even if he knew, he would be disappointed if he told them.”
The secrecy of the family and the few medical voices
The opacity surrounding Schumacher’s condition has been total for eleven years. However, on rare occasions, some professionals who have treated him have revealed small glimpses of the former driver’s evolution.
One of them was his doctor Nicola Acciari, who already at the time underlined the complexity of the recovery process: “The goal is to regenerate Michael’s nervous system. Although there is small progress, it is impossible to say how much he can recover. Brain injuries are always unpredictable, and he spent a long time in a coma”.
Small advances, big unknowns
While the family maintains confidentiality, sometimes it has been specialized journalists who have provided some details from the closest environment to the pilot. This was the case of L’Équipe reporter Stefan L’Hermitte, who offered one of the clearest reflections on the current situation.
“We don’t know exactly what’s going on. We know that he is breathing and interacting with his family, but apparently he is not talking and we have not seen him walk. I wouldn’t say he’s well, but maybe he’s a little better, the only news is coming from his environment,” he detailed.
The mystery surrounding Michael Schumacher is unprecedented in the history of modern sport. The family has managed to completely shield the information, avoiding leaks, images or testimonies that could violate the dignity of the seven-time world champion.
