A new Netflix documentary about Michael Schumacher has aired, with his wife Corinna speaking openly about his rise to global stardom and admitting she cries to herself when she hears "their song."
'Schumacher ’94 – The Birth of a Legend' tells the inside story of the pivotal 1994 F1 season, in which the then-25-year-old won his first World Championship title, as 'Schumi Mania' spread across Germany. He went on to win seven world titles and become a household name.
Round-the-clock care since 2013 accident
Today, Schumacher requires round-the-clock medical care after suffering life-changing injuries in a skiing accident in 2013. After falling and hitting his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps, he was placed in a medically induced coma for several months before returning to his family home on Lake Geneva the following year.
Since the accident, his true condition has been known by only a handful of people closest to him, with firm details few and far between despite rumours and blackmail attempts. Corinna has protected the privacy of her husband of over 30 years by allowing only a small trusted circle to visit him.
Only three outsiders allowed to visit
It has been claimed that only three people – Ferrari giants Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, as well as former driver Gerhard Berger – are allowed to visit him, alongside family and medical professionals. Todt has revealed that there is "no longer the same communication as before" with the former champion.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the 57-year-old is no longer bed-bound and can sit up in a wheelchair. The new documentary does not provide any update on his condition, but it sees Corinna admit to breaking down in tears when she hears Paula Abdul's song Rush Rush – "their song" in the early days of their relationship.
Emotional reflections in documentary
"That was our song back then," she said of the 1991 hit. "When I hear it today and I'm in the car, I cry to myself." Later, she is visibly moved as she relives his triumphant 1994 season, explaining: "My heart beats for him when he wins. And when he loses. My heart is always there. When you’re with someone you look forward to seeing every day, it’s wonderful."
In a previous Netflix documentary in 2021, she explained: "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."
