On December 29th, 12 years ago, a tragic skiing accident forever changed the life of Michael Schumacher, Formula 1 legend and seven-time world champion, as well as that of his family. In an emotional message posted on the social media of the former driver, Corinna Schumacher, his wife, once again moved the world of motorsport. “I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. Everyone misses Michael, but Michael is here; different, but he is here. He keeps showing me how strong he is every day,” wrote Corinna. The accident occurred in 2013, when Schumacher was skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. A blow against a rock hidden under the snow caused him a severe traumatic brain injury, despite wearing a helmet. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgeries and remained in an induced coma for months. Since then, the family has maintained strict secrecy about their health status. After coming out of the coma, Schumacher was transferred to Switzerland, where his home was adapted as a specialized medical unit, with constant care and a team of professionals. The annual costs of his care exceed seven million euros. In 2024, it was reported that Schumacher attended his daughter Gina’s wedding in Mallorca, under heavy security measures. He also visited his granddaughter Millie and participated in a charity auction, signing a Jackie Stewart helmet with his initials, with the help of his wife. It is believed that Michael cannot communicate verbally, but responds with eye movements, which would indicate a minimum level of consciousness. The family has reinforced privacy after facing extortion and fake news, including an interview generated with artificial intelligence, for which they had to take legal action.
Currently, only nine people have access to the former racing driver, including Corinna, his children Mick and Gina-Maria, his former manager Sabine Kehm, Jean Todt and former colleagues and close drivers.
Every December 29th, the world of motorsport remembers Schumacher, who competed in more than 300 Grand Prix, achieving 91 victories, 77 fastest laps and seven world titles, maintaining the hope of receiving good news about the state of one of the greatest icons of motor sport.
