A insider close to Michael Schumacher and his family has provided a fresh update on his condition, some 12 years after he was last seen in public following a serious skiing accident. The Ferrari legend suffered serious brain injuries after hitting a rock during an off-piste skiing trip in France in December 2013. He was placed into a medically-induced coma for six months and has spent the rest of the time recovering under 24-hour care at the family’s home.
Schumacher’s family have made very few public statements concerning his health and have only allowed a select group of visitors to see him on a regular basis, with one visitor including his former Ferrari boss Jean Todt. The protection over his health and condition means that even some close friends are unaware of his current state. However, Felix Gorner, a reporter for German broadcaster RTL and one of the few media figures to have a close relationship with the Schumacher family, has given a heartbreaking update about the seven-time world champion’s condition.
“The situation is very sad,” Gorner said. “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 claim made by Gorner is the latest update regarding Schumacher’s welfare since his wife, Corinna, released a statement in February. She documented her fury in relation to a blackmail case that involved a former security guard for the family, named as Markus F., on trial in a German court.
Corinna released a statement explaining her ‘shock’ over the ‘massive breach of trust’ exercised by the security staff member, who was convicted as part of a group of three men that tried to blackmail the Schumachers. The suspects threatened to distribute 900 personal photos, nearly 600 videos and medical records if they were not paid £12million (€15m).
After the court ruling, Yilmaz T. received a three-year prison sentence, and his son, Daniel L., was handed a six-month suspended sentence. Markus F. was given a suspended two-year term behind bars, but Corinna confirmed they would be appealing the sentence as she felt it was too lenient.
“We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr F,” she said. “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 remains to be seen whether Schumacher will ever be seen in public again. The 56-year-old is regularly visited by his son, Mick, who drove in F1 for two seasons between 2021 and 2022, and Gina-Maria, who was recently married.
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