Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since he was seriously injured in a skiing accident in December 2013, with an insider close to the F1 legend providing an update on his health
An insider close to Michael Schumacher’s family has given a sad update on the Formula One icon’s condition, over a decade since his last public appearance following a tragic skiing accident.
The legendary seven-time F1 champion suffered serious brain injuries after colliding with a rock while skiing off-piste in France back in December 2013.
Following the incident, Schumacher was put into a medically-induced coma for half a year and has since been recovering at home, receiving round-the-clock care.
Schumacher’s family have remained tight-lipped about his health, rarely issuing public comments and restricting access to include only a chosen few, with former Ferrari boss Jean Todt among the regular visitors.
The veil of secrecy surrounding his present condition is so extensive that even some of his nearest friends are left in the dark. Yet Felix Gorner, a journalist from German broadcaster RTL with privileged access to the Schumachers, has delivered a poignant statement about the state of the motorsports champion.
“The situation is very sad,” stated Gorner. “He [Schumacher] needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. And he can no longer express himself verbally.
“Currently, there’s a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael. And, in my opinion, it’s the right strategy. Because the family is acting in Michael’s best interests. They’ve always strictly protected his privacy, and that hasn’t changed.”
The latest update on Schumacher’s wellbeing comes from Gorner, following a statement released by his wife, Corinna, in February. She expressed her outrage over a blackmail case involving a former family security guard, known as Markus F., who was on trial in Germany.
Corinna shared her ‘shock’ at the ‘massive breach of trust’ committed by the security staff member, who was found guilty as part of a trio that attempted to extort the Schumachers.
The culprits threatened to leak 900 personal photos, nearly 600 videos and medical records unless they received £12million (€15m).
Following the court’s decision, Yilmaz T. was sentenced to three years in prison, while his son, Daniel L., received a six-month suspended sentence.
Markus F. was handed a two-year suspended sentence, but Corinna confirmed they would be appealing the verdict, believing it to be too lenient.
“We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr F,” she stated. “In my opinion, he was the mastermind behind this.
“What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. He should receive a punishment that deters any potential copycats.”
It’s uncertain whether Schumacher will ever appear in public again. The 56-year-old is regularly visited by his son, Mick, who raced in F1 for two seasons from 2021 to 2022, and his recently married daughter, Gina-Maria.