Former F1 Driver Recalls Emotional Offer to Schumacher Family
Riccardo Patrese, the former Formula One driver who raced alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton, has shared intimate details of his efforts to support the Schumacher family in the aftermath of the F1 legend's catastrophic skiing accident. In a recent interview, Patrese revealed the poignant conversation he had with Schumacher's wife, Corinna, and the family's steadfast commitment to privacy during this profoundly challenging period.
A Christmas-Time Tragedy and a Lost Connection
The incident, which occurred in the French Alps in December 2013, marked a sudden and devastating turn. "We were very good friends. And then it was Christmas time," Patrese recounted, referring to the timing of the accident. "I heard about the accident. Nobody knew how bad it was. So, I sent a message on his telephone, 'Everything okay, Michael?' Unfortunately, there was no answer." This lack of response was the first indication of the severity of the situation, effectively severing Patrese's direct line of communication with his former colleague.
A Direct Offer of Support and a Telling Response
Understanding the gravity of the circumstances, Patrese took the initiative to reach out to Corinna Schumacher directly. "I did offer to help to see if it would help if I went to see him. I tried, yes, if they wanted me to help, I could be there," he explained. His proposal was to visit Michael, hoping that familiar company might aid in his recovery. The response from Corinna, however, was brief yet profoundly revealing. "From the time of the accident, I said to Corinna, 'Do you want me to come and maybe try to talk and see if he can wake up and so on?' And she said to me, 'Don't worry, Riccardo.'" This three-word reply, "Don't worry, Riccardo," underscored the family's preference to handle the situation within an extremely tight, trusted circle.
A Family's Unwavering Commitment to Privacy
Patrese's account highlights the Schumacher family's rigorous protection of Michael's condition and their personal space. "I understood that they didn't like to have anybody around apart from a few trusted people like Jean Todt and Luca Badoer," he noted, referencing the former Ferrari team principal and test driver. This approach has been a consistent feature for over twelve years, with reports indicating that Schumacher's care involves around-the-clock medical attention from a team of up to fifteen specialists, at a cost rumoured to be tens of thousands of pounds weekly. Recent updates suggest he is no longer bed-bound and is moved within his home via wheelchair, though official details remain scarce.
The 2013 Accident That Changed Everything
Michael Schumacher's life-altering injury occurred just one year after his retirement from Formula One, while he was on a family holiday in Meribel, France. The champion was skiing off-piste when he struck a rock, fell, and hit his head on another rock approximately ten metres away. The impact was so severe it split his helmet in half. Although initially conscious, his inability to respond coherently necessitated urgent specialist care. He was airlifted to a hospital in Moutiers before being transferred to a major trauma centre in Grenoble. Medical professionals, including Jean-Francois Payen, head of anaesthetics, later confirmed that Schumacher likely would not have survived without his helmet. While his life was saved, his recovery has been long and intensely private, with access limited to only three or four individuals beyond his immediate family.
A Last Public Tribute and Respectful Distance
Patrese last saw Corinna Schumacher at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, an event held to celebrate Michael's monumental career. "We were celebrating his career because the Duke wanted to have this tribute to Michael. It was a great event, but I didn't ask her how Michael was," he stated, respecting the family's boundaries even in a public setting. This encounter, like his earlier phone call, reflects the deep respect within the F1 community for the Schumacher family's wishes, as they navigate the ongoing challenges of Michael's condition away from the public eye.
