Michael Schumacher's wife has reportedly made a significant decision as a trial into an alleged blackmail plot against her husband begins in Germany.
Three suspects are on trial in the German city of Wuppertal, accused of a £12 million blackmail plot against the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
Prosecutors allege that a man addressed as Markus F, a former security guard for the family, stole 1,500 photographs and 200 videos of Schumacher.
In addition, it is alleged that he prepared a plan with his co-accused, referred to Yilmaz T and Daniel L, to threaten to release the media, which is said to include 'intimate' images of the F1 icon, on to the dark web if a ransom fee was not paid.
Advert
Reports suggest Markus F could receive a prison sentence of up to 15 years if found guilty, though it could be a lower punishment as the trio did not go through with their threats despite an alleged email that was sent to the family showing proof of the stolen material.
Given the nature of the trial, meanwhile, Schumacher's family are said to be concerned that his health condition will be brought up.
The trial is being publicly reported on at the moment by German media, but his wife Corinna has filed a special motion with the court.
That's according to BILD, who claim that she wants to 'exclude the public from the trial' to avoid any information about his current condition being published.
Advert
Schumacher has been recovering in private after suffering a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2013.
Only a select number of close confidants have access to the 91-time F1 race winner, including his former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt.
His son, Mick, entered Formula 1 with Haas in 2021 but was replaced ahead of the 2023 season.
Advert
He has since been part of the Mercedes team as a reserve driver, though left that role last month, and competes with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
Mick recently told Matt Whyman for his new book, 'Inside Mercedes F1', about the impact that his father had on him during his early years in racing and how that adjusted after his accident.
He said: "I started racing in the Formula classes the year after and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet.
"But I definitely learned a lot of technical points from him that I still use today, as well as from his coaching. And I have always been very resilient."
Advert
He was linked with joining Williams for the second half of the 2024 season to replace Logan Sargeant, but Franco Colapinto was chosen to take the seat instead.
Team principal James Vowles sparked controversy when he described Schumacher as a driver who 'isn't special' - before apologising to his family for the remark.
Topics: Michael Schumacher, Formula 1
Ryan Smart