Michael Schumacher is no longer able to speak and needs “constant care” from his family and medical staff. That is the tragic update given on the Formula 1 legend’s condition by a leading reporter in the sport.
Schumacher has been in need of round-the-clock care ever since his skiing accident in December 2013. The seven-time champion hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps and was airlifted to hospital where he was placed in a medically induced coma.
He was later allowed to return to the family home after months of treatment but continues to suffer the life-changing effects of the accident. Details of his condition have been rare, given his wife Corinna’s fierce commitment to protecting her husband’s privacy.
Felix Gorner is one of the leading German F1 reporters and has been able to keep closer tabs on the situation than most. And now, in a very rare update on Schumacher’s situation, he has given some insight into Schumacher’s ongoing fight while speaking to broadcaster RTL.
He said: “The situation is very sad. “He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. And he can no longer express himself verbally.”
The Schumachers have worked hard to keep the circle of trusted people who are allowed to visit or even know details of his condition as small as they can. Gorner went on to shed some more light on that as he added: “Currently, there is a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael.
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“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.”
Schumacher became a global megastar thanks to his unprecedented domination of F1, particularly in the early 2000s. By that point he was already a double world champion, having won back to back titles in 1994 and 1995 with Bennetton. He was enticed by Ferrari who did not immediately provide him with a title-winning car, but that all changed at the turn of the century
The addition of technical leaders like Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne helped Ferrari become the top team and Schumacher launched a dynasty that remains unmatched in the sport’s history. His record of five championship successes in a row between 2000 and 2004 has never been emulated since, not even by Lewis Hamilton, though Max Verstappen can match it if he becomes drivers’ champion this year.
The Ferrari team principal of the time was Jean Todt, who went on to become president of the FIA. He is one of those who has remained within that trusted inner circle and is permitted to visit Schumacher at his bedside, trusted by Corinna to guard their secrets which he has done so despite being regularly questioned about the German’s health.
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