One former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is ‘on the mend’ after his first public act in 12 years
MICHAEL Schumacher‘s wife Corinna rejected offers to help “wake up” the F1 legend, a former teammate has revealed.
Italian F1 star Riccardo Patrese said he offered to help the seven-time world champion with recovery, but claims it was rebuffed by his wife.
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Schumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury in 2013Credit: Alamy
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Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before his accident in 2013Credit: Alamy
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Riccardo Patrese said he offerd to help with Schuey’s recovery
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Michael Schumacher (left) with teammate Riccardo Patrese (right)Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
World champion Schumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013.
Pal Patrese said he believed a familiar voice would help the former Ferarri and Mercedes star to recover from his tragic accident.
He told Listofsweepstakescasinos.com: “Then he had the accident.
“That is a very sad moment. You know that sometimes if they hear [a familiar voice], some boys wake up, that they recognise a voice.
“I asked [Schumacher’s wife] Corinna if they wanted me to go there and try to help if I could.
“Well, if I could, I would have, but they said, ‘No, thank you’.
She said it’s not the moment. But that moment has never come.”
Schumacher’s wife Corinna has spent the years since creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.
Over the last decade, his condition has remained a secret.
Patrese added: “I know nothing [about his illness], but from the first moment of course I was in very good connection with Michael, because of the national team of drivers for soccer for charity.
“He was the captain of the team. When I left, I gave to him the armband of the captain and he was really very happy to do it.”
In 2022, Late F1 legend Eddie Jordan told the Irish Mirror he tried to arrange a visit with Schumacher, but his efforts were reportedly rebuffed.
Many pals have previously tried to offer help to the F1 legend get back on his feet.
But one former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is “on the mend” after his first public act in 12 years.
Schumacher recently signed fellow motorsport great Sir Jackie Stewart’s helmet alongside dozens of other drivers in a touching move that has left many hopeful about his health.
His autograph marks the stricken F1 legend’s only public act since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps almost 12 years ago.
He is said to have signed it with the help of Corinna as an image showed his initials “M.S” on the bottom right of the iconic white helmet.
Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, Johnny Herbert, described the signature as an “emotional” moment.
He told FastSlots: “It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.
“We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign.
“Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”
Schumacher now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.
Only a handful of trusted people are aware of his current health status, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.
He recently became a granddad for the first time last month after his daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl named Millie.
The legendary Formula One driver is believed to have flown from his family’s villa in Majorca to their Swiss mansion in a chopper to join his daughter before the birth.
Gina revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.
There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but it is unclear if he ever made the ceremony.
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