It’s been over a decade since Michael Schumacher, one of Formula One’s greatest legends, suffered a severe skiing accident in 2013 that changed his life forever.
Since then, he has remained out of the public eye, with very few updates about his health trickling out.
But recently, a close friend of Schumacher has shared some insights, giving fans a little more clarity about his current situation.
A Close Confidante Shares a Rare Update
Michael Schumacher’s family has always fiercely guarded his privacy, and understandably so.
Living quietly at their home near Lake Geneva, Schumacher is cared for around the clock by his medical team and his wife, Corinna.
Craig Scarborough, a longtime Formula One journalist who has interviewed Schumacher many times, spoke with someone “very, very close” to the racing star.
According to Scarborough, this confidante explained that Schumacher won’t be making any public appearances or statements anytime soon.
“He’s in a comfortable position as far as he can be with his state of health,” Scarborough said, suggesting that while the road is tough, Schumacher’s care is attentive and supportive.
Flavio Briatore Remembers Schumacher’s Brighter Days
Not long before Scarborough’s comments, Flavio Briatore — the former Benetton team boss who led Schumacher to his first two world championships — shared his own reflections on Schumacher’s condition.
Briatore, now an adviser at Alpine, spoke fondly of the driver’s competitive spirit.
“If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory,” Briatore told an Italian newspaper.
“I prefer to remember him like that rather than just lying on a bed.”
He also mentioned that he stays in touch with Corinna, showing how close the circle supporting Schumacher remains.
Insights from Those Who Know Him Best
Briatore’s words echo those from Schumacher’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who previously revealed that Michael doesn’t speak but communicates through his eyes, and that only a handful of people are allowed to visit him.
His son, Mick Schumacher, also shared touching sentiments during a Netflix documentary, expressing that he and his father now share a deeper, unspoken connection.
Corinna Schumacher, Michael’s wife, gave a rare update in the documentary as well, explaining that Michael continues to undergo rehabilitation and is “different, but here.”
This shows the family’s ongoing dedication to his recovery and care.
A Heartwarming Sign of Progress
In a hopeful moment earlier this year, Schumacher signed a special helmet with Corinna’s help, which was then auctioned off for charity.
Johnny Herbert, Schumacher’s former teammate at Benetton, described this as an emotional breakthrough and hoped it signaled some improvement.
“It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet,” Herbert said.
“We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign he’s on the mend.”
Remembering Schumacher’s Legendary Racing Career
Michael Schumacher is one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.
Over his storied career, he clinched seven world championships between 1994 and 2004.
He also racked up 71 fastest laps and stood on the podium 155 times, cementing his legacy as a true racing icon.
When asked recently about the greatest driver of all time, Briatore pointed out that the sport has seen many legends, from Schumacher to Ayrton Senna to Fernando Alonso.
But he also praised the current star, Max Verstappen, calling him the number one driver now.