Michael Schumacher, the legendary Formula One driver, made a rare and emotional return to Switzerland last month for the birth of his first grandchild, according to recent reports.
For those who have followed his career, it’s well known that Schumacher has remained out of the public eye for over a decade.
This is following a devastating skiing accident in 2013, which left him with severe head injuries.
The accident occurred in the French Alps, where Schumacher fell and nearly lost his life.
A Long Road to Recovery
After the tragic incident, Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent two brain surgeries.
His recovery journey has been incredibly private, with his wife, Corinna, and their children, Gina and Mick, fiercely guarding his health status.
Very few people have been allowed to visit him, maintaining the family’s wish for privacy.
For much of his recovery, Schumacher resided at his Swiss mansion, but it’s believed he later moved to a villa in Spain to continue his recuperation in a more secluded environment.
A Special Family Moment
However, according to The Sun, Schumacher made a rare journey back to his family’s home near Lake Geneva.
This time, he was there for an incredibly special moment: the birth of his granddaughter.
Schumacher reportedly flew via helicopter to be there for the arrival of Gina’s daughter, Millie, on March 29.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Gina and her husband, Iain Bethke, announced the birth of their daughter, saying, “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives.”
The couple shared a photo of them holding the newborn’s hand, with the post receiving an outpouring of support from fans, family, and friends.
Gina’s Life Beyond the Track
Gina, now 28, has made a name for herself as a skilled equestrian.
She has been married to Iain, who shares her passion for horses, since 2017.
Their wedding, which took place at their villa in Majorca, was a highly anticipated family affair.
Among the guests were Michael’s brother, Ralf Schumacher, and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne.
However, their attendance wasn’t without controversy, as Ralf had recently been at the center of a dispute with his ex-wife, Cora.
While there were speculations about Michael’s presence at the wedding, reports suggest he may not have attended, despite the event being a significant family occasion.
Johnny Herbert, a close friend of Michael’s, later debunked the rumors, stating that it was “fake news” that the F1 icon had been there.
A Glimpse into Schumacher’s Health
Earlier this year, Felix Gorner, a German reporter closely connected with Schumacher’s family, provided some insight into the racing legend’s current condition.
Gorner revealed that Schumacher, unfortunately, “can no longer communicate verbally,” describing the situation as “very sad.”
He added that Schumacher is completely reliant on constant care and has limited interactions with the outside world.
According to Gorner, only a select group of 20 people are allowed to visit Schumacher, a strategy that the family believes is in his best interest.
They have continued to protect his privacy since the accident and remain committed to ensuring that his well-being is safeguarded.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
In a rare public gesture, Schumacher participated in a charity initiative at the request of racing icon Sir Jackie Stewart.
With the help of his wife Corinna, Schumacher signed one of Stewart’s helmets, which will be auctioned to raise funds for Stewart’s Race Against Dementia charity.
This marks another step in Schumacher’s involvement with charitable causes despite his ongoing health struggles.
What’s next for Schumacher and his family remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the family continues to shield him from the spotlight, keeping his recovery a private matter, while also cherishing the special moments, like the birth of Millie, that remind them of life’s precious milestones.