Former Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has expressed his belief that the public will never see Michael Schumacher again, nearly 12 years after the Formula 1 legend suffered a devastating head injury in a skiing accident. Schumacher's health has been kept strictly private since the incident in December 2013, when he was placed in a medically induced coma.
Hopkins, who formed a close friendship with Schumacher during the driver's career, acknowledged the family's desire for secrecy while making a sombre prediction. 'I don't think we'll see Michael again,' he said in a recent interview. He emphasised that he is not part of Schumacher's inner circle, unlike figures such as Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, or Gerhard Berger, who have visited the seven-time world champion.
The 56-year-old's condition remains unknown to the public, with only a handful of trusted associates allowed access. Hopkins noted that even those close to the family, such as Brawn, would not disclose details, even under persuasion. 'I think there is that respect with anybody who goes to visit Michael not to share anything,' he added.
Hopkins stressed the importance of respecting the Schumacher family's wishes for privacy, stating that it is 'fair and respectful' to keep matters out of the public eye. His remarks come as the 12th anniversary of the accident approaches, with no official updates on Schumacher's health from his family.
