Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher suffered a near-fatal skiing accident in the French Alps 12 years ago and he has stayed out of the public eye ever since

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Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher suffered an accident in the French Alps 12 years ago(Image: Getty)

Today marks 12 years since Michael Schumacher suffered a devastating skiing accident. Whilst he survived, the F1 legend has remained away from the public eye since, with details about his current state extremely scarce.

The incident occurred in the French Alps, where Schumacher ventured off-piste and struck his head on a rock, despite wearing a helmet. The German racing icon was airlifted to hospital and placed into a medically-induced coma for several months before being transferred to the family residence at Lake Geneva, where he now lives with round-the-clock medical care.

Reports suggest Schumacher’s life is incredibly difficult, with as many as 15 people providing him with constant care. It’s also understood he is confined to bed and unable to speak.

Regarding communication, Schumacher relies entirely on his eyes to interact with family and friends. This information was disclosed by Elisabetta Gregoraci, the former partner of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore – remarkably surprising given how little is known about Schumacher’s condition.

“Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. 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,” she said.

Reports emerged that he made his first public appearance at his daughter’s wedding in 2024, with attendees required to surrender their mobile phones to safeguard Schumacher’s privacy, though this has subsequently been disputed. Jean Todt, the former Ferrari chief, has offered rare glimpses into Schumacher’s condition.

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Schumacher is an F1 hero(Image: Getty)

Speaking to a French publication in 2023, he said: “Michael is here, so I don’t miss him. [But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him.

“His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That’s all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”

Finnish neurosurgeon Dr Jussi Posti has offered additional perspective on what Schumacher’s current situation might entail. He told Finnish outlet Iltalehti: “Based on the information available, I don’t think he leads a very active life.”

Access to Schumacher remains strictly limited to a select group of friends and family. Todt, along with Ross Brawn and former driver Gerhard Berger, are among the confirmed visitors permitted to see him.

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Schumacher’s wife opened up in 2021(Image: Getty)

Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm has maintained a firm stance on privacy, stating: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.”

In a 2021 documentary, Schumacher’s wife Corinna explained the family’s approach. She said: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”

Despite the family’s considerable efforts to maintain Schumacher’s privacy, it was revealed earlier this year that former nightclub bouncer Yilmaz T. and his accomplices had orchestrated a shocking extortion scheme, demanding £12million to prevent them from publishing 900 photographs, 600 videos and medical documents on the dark web.

The images reportedly showed Schumacher lying in a hospital bed, sitting in a wheelchair and attached to medical equipment. The man was sentenced to three years in prison, whilst his accomplices received suspended sentences.

An unaccounted-for hard drive continues to trouble the family, with barrister Thilo Damm warning: “We don’t know where the missing hard drive is… There is the possibility of another threat through the back door.”