F1 legend: Source close to Schumacher describes his health after the crash

More than 12 years after the tragic ski accident that changed Michael Schumacher’s life, a close source has provided new insights into the Formula 1 legend’s health condition. Flavio Briatore, former Benetton team boss and longtime friend of the driver, shared rare details about the current state of the seven-time world champion, who lives under intensive care at his home in Gland, Switzerland. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Briatore stated that Schumacher relies on constant assistance and does not communicate verbally, preferring to remember his friend as the vibrant competitor of the past. The family, led by Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, maintains the driver’s privacy, restricting access to a small group of people. This account reignites global attention on Schumacher’s legacy and ongoing struggle, one of the greatest names in motorsport.

The news, which surfaced in June 2025, underscores the discretion maintained by the Schumacher family since the accident in December 2013, when the driver suffered a severe head injury while skiing in the French Alps. Despite the lack of official updates, Briatore’s testimony, along with other sporadic reports, offers a glimpse into the reality faced by the icon. Below are the key points regarding Schumacher’s current situation:

• Continuous care: The driver requires 24-hour medical assistance, with a dedicated team at his residence.
• Limited communication: According to Briatore and other sources, Schumacher does not speak but reportedly communicates through his eyes.
• Strict privacy: Only about 20 people, including family and close friends, are allowed to visit the driver, as per the family’s strategy.
• Intact legacy: Despite his condition, Schumacher remains revered as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history.

Details of Schumacher’s condition

The ski accident in Méribel on December 29, 2013, marked a turning point in Michael Schumacher’s life. The driver, then 44, hit his head on a rock, sustaining a severe head injury that left him in an induced coma for 250 days. After being transferred from the hospital in Grenoble to his home in Switzerland in 2014, he has been cared for by a medical team led by his wife, Corinna. Flavio Briatore, who worked with Schumacher during the 1994 and 1995 world championship titles at Benetton, described the situation as delicate, suggesting the driver is partially bedridden. He chose not to visit Schumacher, explaining that he prefers to preserve the image of his friend in his glory days on the track.

Briatore noted that he maintains regular contact with Corinna but respects the family’s decision to limit visits. In an interview with RTL, he mentioned meeting Schumacher months before the accident at a boxing event in Germany, emphasizing the driver’s vitality at the time. Briatore’s choice reflects the sentiment of other close friends, such as former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, who has described Schumacher as “different” from the man who dominated Formula 1 but still present in a special way for his family.

Family’s efforts to protect privacy

The Schumacher family has stood out for its determination to protect the driver’s privacy. Corinna, married to Michael since 1995, has transformed their Gland residence into an environment adapted for his medical care. Only a select group, estimated at about 20 people, including family and friends like Todt, is permitted to visit Schumacher. This strategy was reinforced after incidents such as the 2025 extortion attempt, when a former family security guard, Markus Fritsche, was convicted for trying to sell private photos and videos of the driver. Corinna publicly condemned the case, highlighting the betrayal and the importance of preserving Schumacher’s dignity.

Additionally, the family won lawsuits against sensationalist publications, such as the German magazine Die Aktuelle, which in 2023 published false claims about Schumacher’s recovery. Corinna’s firm stance was praised by many, including journalist Felix Gorner, who in March 2025 stated that limiting access is the “right strategy” to protect the driver’s interests.

Moments of hope and legacy

Despite the severity of his condition, small gestures keep Schumacher’s connection to the outside world alive. In April 2025, he participated in a significant moment by signing, with Corinna’s assistance, a racing helmet auctioned for Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia charity. The item, also signed by other Formula 1 world champions like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, symbolized Schumacher’s resilience and continued relevance in the sport. Johnny Herbert, a former Benetton teammate, described the event as an “emotional moment” for fans.

Schumacher’s legacy in Formula 1 remains unshakable. With seven world titles, 91 victories, and 155 podiums, he redefined motorsport standards. His era of dominance with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004 set records that still challenge drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen. Off the track, his influence extends to philanthropy, with significant donations, such as $10 million for the 2004 tsunami victims.

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Family life and new chapters

The Schumacher family continues to move forward despite the challenges. In March 2025, Gina-Maria, Michael’s daughter, announced the birth of her first daughter, Millie, marking the arrival of a new generation. The event brought a rare moment of joy for the Schumachers, who face the patriarch’s public absence. Mick Schumacher, the driver’s son, follows in his father’s footsteps in motorsport, having competed in Formula 1 with Haas in 2021 and 2022. Although Mick faces career challenges, his presence keeps the Schumacher name alive in the sport.

Gina, meanwhile, excels in equestrian sports but chose not to use the Schumacher surname after her 2024 marriage to Iain Bethke. Despite rumors that Michael attended the ceremony in Mallorca, the claim was debunked as “fake news” by Johnny Herbert. These events underscore the family’s discretion, avoiding speculation about the driver’s health.

Medical care and recovery attempts

Since the accident, Schumacher has undergone experimental treatments, such as stem cell therapy in 2019, led by Dr. Philippe Menasché in Paris. Although initial reports suggested signs of consciousness, Menasché clarified that he “does not perform miracles,” indicating limited results. Reports also mention efforts to stimulate Schumacher, such as drives in sports cars to evoke memories through engine sounds. Despite these attempts, the driver’s condition remains severe, with reports of muscle atrophy and osteoporosis due to prolonged immobility.

Corinna’s dedication is often highlighted by friends and family. In a 2021 Netflix documentary, she stated: “We do everything to make Michael comfortable and feel our family.” This reflects the commitment to keeping Schumacher surrounded by love and care, even with an uncertain prognosis.

Ongoing impact on motorsport

Schumacher’s absence from the tracks has not diminished his influence. Teams like Ferrari and Mercedes, where he raced, continue to honor him. In 2025, Ferrari celebrated the 20th anniversary of his last title, reinforcing his historical significance. Drivers like Max Verstappen, who could match Schumacher’s record of five consecutive titles, often cite the German as an inspiration. Motorsport, in constant evolution, still bears Schumacher’s indelible mark.

Schumacher’s story is a reminder of life’s fragility and his family’s strength. While fans await any signs of improvement, the Schumachers’ discretion ensures Michael remains protected, with his legacy preserved both on the track and in the memories of those who admire him.