Michael Schumacher, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of motorsport, has left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history. Renowned for his unparalleled skill, relentless determination, and groundbreaking achievements, Schumacher redefined what it meant to be a champion.
With a record seven World Championships, he dominated the sport in an era characterized by fierce competition and technological innovation. Beyond his statistics, Schumacher’s work ethic, strategic brilliance on the track, and profound impact on the sport have inspired countless fans and aspiring drivers alike.
After his retirement from Formula 1 in 2012, Michael Schumacher sought a peaceful and enjoyable life away from the racetrack. However, life had unexpected twists in store for the legendary driver.
The seven-time world champion was enjoying a family holiday just over a year after his final race in the 2012 Formula One season. He had gone skiing with his then 14-year-old son, Mick, and what started as a normal skiing trip quickly turned into a nightmare.
While skiing down the popular Combe de Saulire route, Schumacher decided to go off the main trail, entering a small area of untouched snow between Piste Chamois and Piste Biche that was hidden with small rocks.
As a skilled driver, he was also a talented skier, so much so that a run at the Italian resort of Madonna di Campiglio was named after him, where Ferrari held its annual winter retreat.
However, despite the gentle slope and short distance of the off-piste section, danger was lurking beneath the surface. Recent snowfall had hidden some boulders, turning the snow-covered area into a hidden hazard. hen Schumacher’s skis hit one of these rocks, he was thrown into the air, unable to avoid crashing headfirst into another rock.
The impact was severe, leading to a traumatic brain injury. His helmet cracked during the collision, absorbing some of the force but failing to prevent serious damage. Schumacher was airlifted on a helicopter with the eyewitnesses saying that the German was conscious post-accident but unable to answer questions.
A subsequent investigation concluded that Schumacher was skiing at a normal speed and was not exceeding his skill level at the time of his accident. However, it is believed that his injuries—which would likely have been fatal without his helmet—were worsened by a motorcycle accident he had in February 2009, where he sustained fractures to his head and neck.
Just hours after the initial surgery, the hospital’s chief anaesthesiologist, Jean-François Payen, reported that the former driver was “fighting for his life” and in critical condition, describing it as “a very serious situation.”
After his admission to the hospital, the premises maintained a tight security perimeter, allowing only trusted visitors to see Schumacher. His wife Corinna, daughter Gina-Marie, and son Mick were at his side, later joined by a close family friend, Jean Todt, who was the former principal and CEO of Ferrari.
Against all odds, the driver survived both of his surgeries but remained in critical condition for several weeks. By April 2014, Schumacher was slowly being taken out of the medically induced coma, a process that was completed in June 2014. He then moved to Lausanne University Hospital for ongoing rehabilitation before returning in September to the £50 million Schumacher family home in Gland, Switzerland, located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
In 2018, rumors emerged that Schumacher had been secretly relocated to a private mansion on the Spanish island of Majorca by his wife, Corinna. These rumors intensified in 2020 when Elisabetta Gregoraci, the ex-wife of Schumacher’s former boss at Benetton, Flavio Briatore, made similar assertions.
What is known about Michael Schumacher’s current condition?
The F1 champion, now 55, was paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, according to a 2014 report in The Telegraph. Mr Schumacher’s family provided a health update in 2021 after the release of a Netflix documentary about his life. Corinna had said that Michael is “different, but he’s here. He still shows me how strong he is every day. We’re trying to carry on as a family,” she said.
The family has maintained a dignified silence and limited the visits by people. However, the 7 time F1 champion has reportedly made a rare public appearance at his daughter’s wedding, marking a significant moment for his family and racing fans who have been following his recovery journey.
Read More: Michael Schumacher Makes a Public Appearance After Over a Decade
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
