A leading F1 journalist has provided a major update on Michael Schumacher's condition, over 11 years on from his tragic skiing accident.
With a record-setting seven Formula One driver's championships to his name, Schumacher is widely regarded as the all time great of the sport.
But, just one year after retiring from the sport, Schumacher was involved in a life-altering skiing accident that led to him being airlifted to hospital in Grenoble.
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In the 11 years since the accident, there has been very little information provided on the German's condition but following an interview from RTL journalist Felix Gorner new information on Schumacher's status has been revealed.
Gorner, who is viewed as one of the journalists closest to Schumacher's family and a reliable source on his health, has stated that the 56-year-old can 'no longer communicate verbally'.
"The situation is very sad," said Gorner via The Daily Mail.
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"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," he added.
"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."
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The German journalist's comments come after Elisabetta Gregoraci, the ex-wife of former F1 team boss Flavio Briatore, also shed more light on how Schumacher is able to communicate due to his condition.
"Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes," she said.
"Only three people can visit him and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house."
Prior to these new developments, the majority of details regarding the former Ferrari driver's state were given by his caring wife Corinna, who spoke about the accident in a Netflix documentary in 2021.
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"I miss Michael every day," she said.
"But it is not just me who misses him. It's the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.
"Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength. We're together. We live together at home.
"We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he's comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond," she added.
Topics: Michael Schumacher
Tom Jenkins