Michael Schumacher’s accident completes 12 years with seven-time champion in prison and family in total secrecy By Beatriz
2 min read
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This Monday, December 29, 2025, will be exactly 12 years since the skiing accident that changed Michael Schumacher’s life.
The seven-time Fórmula 1 world champion suffered serious head trauma when he hit his head on a rock while skiing in Méribel, in the French Alpes.
Since then, the 56-year-old German has received continuous medical care in a private residence, with access restricted to a few people.
The family chose to preserve the former pilot’s privacy, disclosing sparse information over the years.
The accident and initial recovery
Schumacher was hospitalized in critical condition shortly after the incident in 2013.
He remained in a medically induced coma for months and underwent brain surgery.
In September 2014, he left the hospital and continued treatment at home, at Suíça, where a medical structure was set up.
Since this transfer, few official updates have been released by the family.
Privacy maintained by the family
Corinna Schumacher, the pilot’s wife since 1995, leads the protection of confidentiality regarding her husband’s health.
She publicly expressed the importance of preserving private life, stating that Michael has always valued this.
The circle of visitors includes close family and selected friends, such as Jean Todt, former boss of Ferrari.
- Gina-Maria, the couple’s daughter, gave birth to her first granddaughter in March 2025.
- Mick Schumacher currently competes in endurance races for the FIA.
Recent events involving the pilot
In 2024, reports indicated the presence of Schumacher at the wedding of daughter Gina-Maria, with measures such as a ban on cell phones to avoid records.
In early 2025, a symbolic gesture occurred when initials “M.S.” appeared in a charity helmet, with the help of Corinna.
Close friends like Richard Hopkins have expressed in recent interviews the difficulty in getting updates.
Hopkins mentioned that access is limited and that he doesn’t expect to see the pilot publicly again.
Blackmail case against the family
In February 2025, authorities arrested three men accused of extortion.
They demanded millions of euros not to disclose private photos and videos of Schumacher, as well as medical records.
Files were confiscated, but one hard drive remained unlocated.
The episode reinforced the protective stance adopted by the family over the years.
Legacy at Fórmula 1
Schumacher won seven world titles, a record shared with Lewis Hamilton.
His career included iconic wins for Benetton and Ferrari.
Even in prison, the pilot remains a reference in the sport, with discreet tributes at events in the category.
The Keep Fighting foundation, in his name, supports charitable causes.
Sparse health updates
Reports from close sources indicate that Schumacher does not communicate verbally.
He depends on medical staff for daily care.
Friends like Flavio Briatore prefer to remember the driver in his glory days in F1.
Jean Todt visits regularly and describes German as present but different from the past.
