Michael Schumacher has not appeared public since suffering a brain injury while on a skiing trip 12 years ago and his condition has since been shrouded in secracy, with his family only allowing a select few to visit him

Michael Schumacher’s old Benetton boss Flavio Briatore has claimed the stricken former racer only communicates with his eyes(Image: Getty Images)

Michael Schumacher’s former boss Flavio Briatore has shed light on the Ferrari legend’s condition – 12 years after suffering a brain injury on a skiing trip.

Schumacher’s family have kept his medical condition a secret, with his wife Corinna only allowing a select few to visit him at their home in Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

The 56-year-old is thought to be resigned to a bed with round-the-clock medical care ever since suffering his horrific accident in December 2013.

But now Briatore, who was head of the Benetton team when Schumacher won his first two Formula 1 titles, has given a glimpse into how the Ferrari legend has been living. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, he revealed: “If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory.

“I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.” The update comes after Briatore’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci had previously claimed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”

There has been multiple reports into Schumacher’s condition and general wellbeing and there were hopes he was improving after he signed an F1 helmet – with the help of Corinna.

Schumacher suffered a horrific brain injury while skiing 12 years ago and his wife Corinna has kept his condition a secret ever since(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

His former team-mate Johnny Herbert – from his Benetton days – expressed hope that the gesture was a small “sign” he might be “on the mend”.

“It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet,’ Herbert said, speaking to FastSlots.

“It was a wonderful moment. We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign.”

Schumacher is regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time after securing four world championship wins, a record that has since been equalled by Lewis Hamilton.