Gina Schumacher, 28, marked her father Michael's 57th birthday on Saturday with a touching Instagram post, sharing a childhood photograph of herself, her younger brother Mick, and their parents alongside pet dogs. She captioned the image: "The best forever. Happy birthday, Dad!" accompanied by a red heart emoji.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has remained out of public view since a skiing accident in the French Alps 12 years ago, when he struck his head on a rock despite wearing a helmet. He was airlifted to hospital and spent several months in an induced coma before being moved to his family home near Lake Geneva, where he continues to receive round-the-clock care from up to 15 medical professionals.
According to reports, Schumacher remains confined to bed and cannot speak. Elisabetta Gregoraci, former partner of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore, has claimed that he communicates through eye movements, and that only three people are permitted to visit him. She also said the family moved to Spain, where his wife has set up a hospital-like facility in their home.
Gina, an accomplished equestrian, is preparing to launch a YouTube channel, though it is thought unlikely to feature details of her father's condition, as she has consistently protected the family's privacy. She has achieved significant success in reining, winning gold at the FEI World Reining Championships in 2017 and again in 2018, as well as topping the World Championships for junior riders.
In 2024, Gina married her long-term partner, Iain Bethke, at the Schumacher family villa in Majorca, and the couple announced the arrival of their first child last year. Her mother, Corinna, previously said in a 2021 documentary: "We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael." Schumacher's representative, Sabine Kehm, has also maintained that his health is not a public issue.
