Michael Schumacher’s daughter shares emotional message to dad on his birthday
Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher turned 57 on Saturday and his daughter Gina paid tribute to her father on social media
Michael Schumacher’s daughter praised the former Ferrari legend as ‘the best forever’ as his family celebrated the F1 hero’s 57th birthday on Saturday.
Gina, 28, shared on Instagram a heartwarming throwback photo featuring herself and younger sibling Mick grinning alongside their parents and beloved family dogs. She wrote beneath the picture: “The best forever. Happy birthday, Dad!” adding a red love heart emoji.
This occurs whilst Schumacher continues his rehabilitation following a catastrophic skiing mishap 12 years ago. Although he survived, the seven-time F1 world champion has stayed out of the public eye ever since.
As a result, details about his current state remain severely restricted to his inner circle of family and close friends. The incident took place in the French Alps, with Schumacher venturing off-piste before his head struck a rock.
Despite wearing protective headgear, Schumacher was airlifted to hospital and placed in a medically-induced coma for months. He was later transferred to his family residence at Lake Geneva, where he currently lives under round-the-clock medical care.
Reports suggest that Schumacher has as many as 15 people delivering constant support. It is also understood that he remains confined to bed and is unable to speak.
Instead, Elisabetta Gregoraci, former girlfriend of ex-F1 supremo Flavio Briatore, claims that Schumacher interacts using eye movements with those around him.
She disclosed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”
This emerges as Gina gears up to launch a YouTube channel, which might offer insights into her father’s circumstances. The talented equestrian, who regularly showcases her abilities on Instagram, has remained tight-lipped about her father’s condition while working to maintain family privacy.
This strategy echoes that of Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, who declared in a 2021 documentary: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does.
“Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
At the same time, Schumacher’s spokesperson, Sabine Kehm, has strengthened their stance on privacy. She previously stated: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.”
The preview for Gina’s forthcoming channel shows her with her horses and friends, though it seems doubtful to feature material about her father’s health or wider situation. Now based in Switzerland, Gina originally took up karting.
However, chatting to German broadcaster NDR, she explained that horse riding eventually won her over because of her love for the animals. Western riding has been especially rewarding for Gina.
In August 2017, she secured a gold medal at the FEI World Reining Championships in Switzerland. The following year, she added another gold to her collection at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli and also triumphed at the World Championships for junior riders.
In 2024, Gina exchanged vows with her long-term beau, Iain Bethke, and last year they announced the arrival of their first child. It is believed that the couple tied the knot at the Schumacher family villa in Majorca, surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.
