Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his skiing accident in 2013 and few people know the true extent of his condition – but some details have emerged from his inner circle
For over a decade now, only a tight circle of Michael Schumacher’s closest confidants have been aware of the full details of his medical condition. Despite a flurry of speculation, persistent media chatter, and even shocking attempts at extortion, solid information remains extremely limited.
While much of the curiosity is rooted in widespread admiration for the Formula 1 legend, the public’s persistent interest largely stems from how little is truly known about his current situation. Corinna Schumacher, his wife, has led efforts to strictly guard the now 56-year-old’s privacy ever since his devastating ski accident in December 2013.
Schumacher sustained severe brain trauma after hitting his head on a rock while skiing with his then 14-year-old son, Mick. He was placed in a medically induced coma for more than eight months and has not made a single public appearance since the accident.
Since then, Corinna has overseen his care primarily at their Lake Geneva residence. Only selected healthcare workers and a few trusted individuals have been permitted to see him. Reports now suggest the family also lives part-time at a specially adapted estate in Mallorca.
Corinna has remained largely silent regarding his health, speaking only occasionally in public. She has not revealed any significant medical updates and has continually asked for privacy.
In the 2021 Netflix documentary, she said: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
Eddie Jordan, a close family friend who passed away in March, commented in 2023: “This was the most horrific situation. Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that – she’s like a prisoner, because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn’t need reminding of it every minute.”
False hope and misinformation
Various optimistic stories have emerged in recent times, suggesting improvements in Schumacher’s condition. Last year, German outlets reported that Schumacher might have attended his daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding to Iain Bethke, where guests were allegedly asked to surrender their phones to ensure no images of Michael leaked. However, these reports were later dismissed.
Further hope gained traction when Schumacher’s signature appeared on a helmet for racing legend Jackie Stewart as part of a charity auction. Former team-mate Johnny Herbert speculated this indicated positive progress and promise that we could one day see Schumacher in the F1 paddock again, reports Wales Online.
Nonetheless, it was later confirmed Corinna assisted in signing the helmet. More reliable sources close to the family maintain that Schumacher is still mostly bedridden and unable to speak.
Former Ferrari boss Flavio Briatore this week alluded as much as he said: “If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.”
Elisabetta Gregoraci, his ex-wife, previously said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.” These individuals are believed to be Ferrari’s Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, and ex-driver Gerhard Berger.
Todt, one of Schumacher’s closest allies, visits frequently and watches races with the family. He has stated: “There’s no longer the same communication as before. The family has decided not to answer the question [regarding Schumacher’s condition], a choice that I respect.
“I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1.”
Schumacher ‘partly helpless’
In March, German journalist Felix Gorner provided a more candid picture of Schumacher’s situation, saying: “He is a person dependent on caregivers, who can no longer express himself through language. We’re just clinging to hope, to a straw. But he’s simply not well, so we won’t see him again.”
It was earlier reported ahead of the 10-year mark since the accident that Schumacher receives 24-hour medical supervision from a team of around 15 staff. Amid the tight veil of secrecy, the family was targeted by a criminal group attempting to extort £12million in exchange for private images and medical data.
Three men were charged in Wuppertal, Germany, for the plot, including Markus Fritsche and Yilmaz Tozturkan, who made the threats. Fritsche received a suspended two-year sentence, and IT worker Daniel Lins avoided jail with a six-month suspended term. The family has appealed the decision, finding the penalties too lenient.
Prosecutors revealed that the stolen material showed Schumacher “partly helpless, in need of care and visibly marked” by his injuries. At present, the prospect of a public return remains highly unlikely, despite the hope given to fans by recent reports.
