Michael Schumacher stays out of sight nearly 13 years after 2013 crash

Almost 13 years after the skiing accident that changed his life, Michael Schumacher continues to receive round-the-clock care at home. The family keeps a strict secrecy around the health of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who turned 57 in January 2026. Interest in his condition remains high, fed by rare updates and accounts from people close to him. No official medical bulletins have been issued, and recent information offers few details.

Recent accounts point to progress, but the family has not confirmed them

The accident happened on 29 December 2013 in the French Alps, and Schumacher has received full-time medical attention since then. In January 2026, British journalist Jonathan McEvoy reported that he is not bedridden, uses a wheelchair with help from the medical team, and keeps some interaction with his surroundings. The information did not come from a statement by the family. Still, it offers a rare view of his daily routine and suggests more functional capacity than was previously assumed.

Flavio Briatore, Schumacher’s former team boss at Benetton and now a consultant for Alpine, said in January 2026 that he prefers to remember the German “smiling after victories”, a translation from Italian. Riccardo Patrese, the former Italian driver, told a German media outlet in February 2026 that Schumacher had learned to sit, recognize faces and communicate with eye signals. Patrese acknowledged, however, that those accounts were based on information from up to six years earlier.

Medical secrecy, led by Corinna Schumacher, the driver’s wife, remains the family’s top priority. The family has already gone to court against people who publish false medical reports or unauthorized images. In February 2025, former security guard Markus Fritsche was convicted of attempted extortion against the family, and accomplices Yilmaz Tozturkan and Daniel Lins were also convicted. Tozturkan threatened to release photos, videos and medical records unless the family paid about 15 million euros, and he was sentenced to three years in prison.

Care at home is estimated to cost tens of thousands of pounds weekly

Treating a severe traumatic brain injury like Schumacher’s requires high and constant resources. A British report estimates the treatment costs “tens of thousands of pounds a week”, and the expense has been maintained for more than a decade. The care includes a multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art equipment and constant supervision, aimed at improving quality of life and functional recovery.

Most of the treatment takes place at the adapted mansion in Gland, Switzerland, on the shore of Lake Geneva. The family also owns a summer home in Mallorca, Spain, which serves as a private refuge for the care. Jean Todt, former Ferrari team boss, is among the few people with regular access to Schumacher, and his frequent visits show the bond between them. Reports also name Ross Brawn and Gerhard Berger among those who may see him, without official confirmation from the family.

Read also: F1: Richard Hopkins backs Corinna's secrecy on Michael Schumacher's health

Seven world crowns and 91 victories keep his legacy in the spotlight

Beyond the personal drama, Schumacher’s legacy as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history remains intact. His numbers show dominance and skill, and they set records that still serve as references for new generations. His influence goes further than statistics, reaching technical development, the dynamic between team and driver, and the culture of the sport. His era was marked by intense competition and technological advances that shaped today’s F1.

• Formula 1 world titles: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004
• Grand Prix wins: 91, a record that stood for many years
• Teams: Jordan (1991), Benetton (1991–1995), Ferrari (1996–2006) and Mercedes (2010–2012)
• Periods in the category: 1991–2006 and 2010–2012
• Title record: shares the mark of seven world titles with Lewis Hamilton

Schumacher’s obsession with perfection, technical depth and work ethic, especially at Ferrari alongside Ross Brawn and Jean Todt, helped transform the sport. The so-called “Ferrari era” was linked to meticulous preparation and strategy, and set a new standard of harmony between team and driver. Current drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are still compared to the German, both in driving style and in the ambition for titles. In 2026, 30 years have passed since Schumacher joined Ferrari, and two decades since his retirement announcement, made in 2006.

Mick Schumacher keeps the family name in racing while Corinna guards privacy

The Schumacher surname remains present in motorsport through the couple’s son, Mick Schumacher. He raced for Haas in Formula 1 in 2021 and 2022, and now serves as Alpine’s reserve driver in the World Endurance Championship. Fans and the press follow his career and often compare it with his father’s. That connection keeps the Schumacher name in the public eye.

Corinna Schumacher is the guardian of her husband’s privacy and is responsible for the family’s strict media policy. She coordinates daily care while protecting Michael’s dignity, and legal action against speculative or unauthorized reports reinforces that determination. In late August 2026, Netflix announced a new documentary about the driver with Corinna in a starring role. According to the British report, the couple has been married for 30 years.