On December 29th, twelve years ago, a tragic skiing accident changed the life of Michael Schumacher, Formula One legend and seven-time world champion, as well as that of his family. On this anniversary, his wife, Corinna Schumacher, has once again moved the world of motorsport with a touching message. “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” The message, published on the former pilot’s social media, quickly generated a great deal of support from fans, former pilots, and figures in motorsports. On the fateful December 29, 2013, Schumacher suffered a serious accident while skiing off-piste in the French resort of Méribel. The impact against a rock hidden under the snow caused a severe traumatic brain injury, despite wearing a helmet. He was urgently transferred to the hospital in Grenoble, where he underwent two surgeries and remained in an induced coma for several months. Since then, the family has maintained strict secrecy about his health. 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 up to 15 professionals. It is estimated that the annual costs of his care exceed seven million euros. Despite the silence, in recent years some episodes have emerged that have given hope to his followers. In 2024, it was learned that Schumacher attended the wedding of his daughter Gina in Mallorca, under strict security measures. In addition, this year he was transported by helicopter to meet his granddaughter Millie, and symbolically participated in a charity auction by signing, with the help of his wife, a helmet of the former driver Jackie Stewart with the initials “MS”. According to testimonies from people close to him, Michael cannot communicate verbally, but manages to respond through eye movements, which would indicate a minimum level of consciousness. However, 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 his wife Corinna, his children Mick and Gina-Maria, his former manager Sabine Kehm, the former Formula 1 president Jean Todt, and former collaborators and close drivers.
Every December 29th, the world of motorsport remembers the man who competed in more than 300 Grand Prix, achieved 91 victories, 77 fastest laps and seven world titles, keeping alive the hope that one day good news will arrive about the condition of one of the greatest icons in the history of motor sport.
