Michael Schumacher's former F1 boss gives heartbreaking update on his condition
Michael Schumacher's ex-Formula One boss has provided a heart-wrenching new insight into the racing icon's condition, nearly 12 years after the skiing accident that altered his life forever.
The F1 superstar was gravely injured after striking his head on a rock whilst skiing in the French Alps in December 2013, resulting in him being placed in a medically induced coma for several months. He returned to his Lake Geneva home the following year but continues to require constant medical attention from a team of professionals and his wife Corinna.
Since the accident, Corinna has fiercely guarded Schumacher's privacy, with only a select group of trusted family members and friends permitted to visit him and be privy to the intimate details of his condition.
Last year, it was widely reported that the German star made his first public appearance in over a year by attending his daughter Gina-Marie's wedding at the family's villa in Majorca. Guests were reportedly asked to leave their mobile phones at the door to prevent any unauthorised photos of Schumacher from being taken.
Now, former Benetton chief Flavio Briatore, who formed a close bond with Schumacher when the legendary driver clinched his first two titles consecutively for the team, has offered a fresh insight into his friend's condition, reports Wales Online.
Seemingly confirming that Schumacher is bed-bound, Briatore stated he prefers to recall the joyful memories he shared with the 56 year old, rather than dwell on his current state.
'"If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory," he shared with Corriere della Sera.
"I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.' Briatore's update follows F1 reporter Felix Gorner's revelation in March, who is close to Schumacher's family, that the seven-time world champion can no longer communicate verbally."
The situation is very sad," he expressed. "He 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."
During a 2021 Netflix documentary about Schumacher's life, his son Mick revealed he and his father "understand each other now in a different way," while Corinna stated that her husband was "different, but here".There were positive signs in April when Schumacher signed a special helmet worn by Sir Jackie Stewart, which was auctioned off for charity.
Johnny Herbert, who was Schumacher's teammate at Benetton in the 1990s, described the signature as an 'emotional' moment and hoped that it was a sign that the legendary driver was "on the mend".
"It's wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet," Herbert told FastSlots.
"It was a wonderful moment. We haven't seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it's a sign."
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