Michael Schumacher only communicates with others by using his eyes after suffering a life-changing accident more than a decade ago.
The Formula 1 legend, 47, was skiing in the French Alps when he hit his head on a rock 11 years ago. After months in a medically induced coma, Schumacher now receives round-the-clock from his wife, Corina, and a team of medics.
Schumacher’s condition has been kept private by his family ever since with only a handful of people said to be fully aware of the seven-time world champion’s health.
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However, some have spoken publicly about his recovery – including the ex-wife of former F1 boss Flavio Briatore, Elisabetta Gregoraci. She previously revealed that Schumacher communicates ‘only through his eyes’.
She said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”
While Corinna has been protective over access to Schumacher, the F1 legend is said to have made his first public appearance in years recently after attending his daughter’s wedding.
Gina-Maria, 27, tied the knot with Ian Bethke last weekend at the Schumacher’s family villa in Majorca. And German media outlets have reported that her father was present for the ceremony.
Shumacher has not been seen publicly since his life-changing accident more than a decade ago (
AFP/Getty Images)
While it remains to be seen if Schumacher’s presence beyond members of the family’s private circle will occur again, his attendance at his daughter’s wedding could be a sign that there has been a change in attitude from the family.
It’s reported that members in attendance at the wedding had to leave their mobile phones at the door to ensure Schumacher’s privacy was respected during the ceremony.
Despite his lack of public appearances, Schumacher has remained in the thoughts of many in the sport. His son, Mick, previously competed in F1 for Haas after following in the footsteps of his legendary father.
Former Ferrari chief Jean Todt has also spoken openly about Schumacher and his recovery in the past. He admitted that while his family have done ‘wonderfully’ since his accident, that his friend is no longer ‘who he used to be’.
Todt told a French magazine late last year: “Michael is here, so I don’t miss him. [But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him.
“His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him.
“That’s all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”
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