Today marks a solemn anniversary for the world of motorsport. It has been twelve years since Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher suffered a catastrophic skiing accident in the French Alps, an event that changed his life and that of his family forever.
The accident and its immediate aftermath
On 29 December 2013, the seven-time world champion ventured off-piste in Méribel. Despite wearing a helmet, he struck his head on a rock. The impact was severe, and Schumacher was airlifted to hospital where he was placed in a medically-induced coma for several months to aid his recovery.
After initial treatment, he was moved to the family's residence at Lake Geneva. He continues to live there, receiving constant, round-the-clock medical care. Reports indicate his life is incredibly challenging, with a team of as many as fifteen carers providing support. It is understood he is largely confined to bed and is unable to speak.
Life today: Communication and privacy
Schumacher's primary means of interaction is through his eyes. This rare detail was disclosed by Elisabetta Gregoraci, former partner of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore. She revealed, "Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are."
She also mentioned the family had moved to Spain, where his wife Corinna had set up a hospital within their home. Access to the F1 icon remains fiercely guarded, limited to a select circle of close friends and family. Confirmed visitors include former Ferrari chief Jean Todt, ex-technical director Ross Brawn, and former driver Gerhard Berger.
In a 2021 documentary, Corinna Schumacher explained the family's unwavering stance. "We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does," she said. "Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael."
Jean Todt offered a poignant glimpse in 2023, stating, "Michael is here, so I don't miss him. [But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be... He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him."
Threats to privacy and legal battles
Despite the family's efforts, their privacy was violently invaded. Earlier this year, it emerged that a former nightclub bouncer, Yilmaz T., and his accomplices had orchestrated a shocking extortion plot.
They demanded £12 million from the family to prevent the publication of hundreds of private items on the dark web. The stolen cache reportedly included:
- 900 photographs of Schumacher
- 600 videos
- Sensitive medical documents
The images were said to show Schumacher in a hospital bed, in a wheelchair, and attached to medical equipment. Yilmaz T. was sentenced to three years in prison, while his accomplices received suspended sentences.
However, the case left an unresolved threat. A hard drive containing the data remains unaccounted for. The family's barrister, Thilo Damm, warned, "We don't know where the missing hard drive is... There is the possibility of another threat through the back door."
Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, has consistently maintained that "Michael's health is not a public issue," and the family continues to make no comment on his condition. As the years pass, the legacy of the racing legend endures, fiercely protected by those who love him, while the world is left with only rare and carefully guarded insights into his life today.
