Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Michael Schumacher, Formula 1, Ferrari
Ryan Smart
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Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has been recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury since December 2013. Here is what has been released in that time by his 'inner circle'.
The seven-time world champion was airlifted to hospital after being involved in a skiing accident in the French Alps.
He was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014, with doctors stating that the use of a helmet saved the German's life.
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Schumacher has since been recovering at home with his family, who have decided not to release details about his condition in order to protect his privacy.
Earlier this week, German journalist Felix Gorner - who is viewed as being close to the Schumacher family and a reliable source regarding the F1 legend - delivered what he said was a 'very sad' update on his health.
Here is what members of his 'inner circle' have said about Schumacher.
His wife Corinna stated in a 2021 eponymous Netflix documentary about the seven-time F1 champion: "Private is private, as he always said.
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"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."
In the same documentary, Schumacher's son Mick - who drove for the Haas F1 Team in the 2021 and 2022 seasons - said: "I think dad and me, we would understand each other in a different way now.
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"Simply because we speak a similar language, the language of motorsport. And that we would have so much more to talk about.
"That's where my head is most of the time. Thinking that it would be cool, that would be. I would give up everything just for that."
Among the others that have confirmed they have access to Schumacher is his former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt.
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Todt, who was also president of the FIA between 2009 and 2021, told L'Equipe in December 2023: "[He] is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different, and wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him.
"His life is different now, and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That's all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in F1."
Todt again commented on Schumacher in an interview with La Republicca back in February: "I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family.
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"Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1."
Schumacher's brother, the former Toyota and Williams F1 driver Ralf, is another who has close access to him.
Speaking in an interview last year, he explained: "I miss the Michael of the old days. Life is unfair from time to time.
"Michael was very lucky throughout his life. But then there was this tragic accident.
"Fortunately, advanced medical science provides many opportunities. However, nothing is like it used to be."
Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert is another that hasn't been directly part of Schumacher's inner circle, but appears to be in contact with those who are.
In October, German outlet BILD reported that Schumacher was 'very likely' to have been present at his daughter's wedding in Mallorca for his first public appearance since the skiing accident.
But Herbert cast doubt on the report in an interview with Flashscore, stating: "It will always be a closed shop. The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter's wedding.
"Unfortunately, from what I understand, that was A1 fake news and no truth in it."
Former Jordan F1 team boss Eddie Jordan - who passed away at the age of 78 earlier this month - was not part of Schumacher's 'inner circle' but did reveal in 2023 that he once asked to visit Schumacher.
However, at that time visitations were limited to his 'direct family'.
"I reached out and one stage asked was it appropriate, and did I think we should go and visit him," the Irishman told sports betting company OLBG. "The answer was no. No visitations for anyone at that moment, except the actual direct family."