A friend of Michael Schumacher has finally revealed the heartbreaking reason the seven-time F1 champion’s wife does not publicly talk about his skiing accident.
Schumacher, 56, is one of the most decorated F1 drivers of all time having won seven titles including five in a row between 2000 and 2004.
However, his life changed forever when he was involved in an accident during a skiing trip at the French resort of Meribel in December 2013.
Prof Jean-Francois Payen told reporters at the time that "he wouldn't be here now" if he had not been wearing a protective helmet.
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As reported by the BBC, the German, who was 44 at the time, was skiing with his then-teenage son when he fell and hit his head on a rock before being rushed to hospital.
There has since been little to no update on the condition of the former Ferrari driver with his wife Corinna protecting her husband’s privacy.
Now, former F1 driver Christian Danner who is a close associate of the family, has issued an update when speaking to SpacesportSweden.
“Corinna and Mick don't talk about the accident,” said Danner. “It's their way of handling the issue.
"Last year in Monza I spoke to Corinna, sometimes a little bit to Mick. I've known Corinna ever since she was [former F1 driver] Heinz-Harald Frentzen's girlfriend, so it goes way back.
"Whenever we see each other, we say hello and we have a coffee together. It’s the Formula 1 family."
It is thought that only a close group of people, which includes Danner, are allowed to visit Michael or even know details of his condition.
Journalist Felix Gorner, a reporter from German broadcaster RTL, revealed that Schumacher ‘can no longer communicate verbally’ back in December 2023 – although this is not confirmed by the family.
“The situation is very sad,” said Gorner.
“He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. And he can no longer express himself verbally.
“Currently, there’s a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael.
“And, in my opinion, it’s the right strategy. Because the family is acting in Michael’s best interests.
“They’ve always strictly protected his privacy, and that hasn’t changed.”
Topics: Michael Schumacher, Formula 1
Luke Davies