A rare update has been issued on the current health of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher.
The record seven-time F1 world champion has been out of the public eye since a serious skiing accident in December 2013.
Schumacher went off-piste at a French skiing resort and hit his head on a rock, sustaining severe head injuries. He spent four months in a medically induced coma and has required care at his home ever since.
The Schumacher family have understandably guarded the racing legend's privacy in the 11 years since his accident, with little in the way of public information about his condition and only occasional updates from family friends.
German F1 journalist Felix Gorner this week gave the latest update on Schumacher's condition, describing the situation as 'very sad.'
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Michael Schumacher health situation 'very sad' - German journalist
Gorner spoke to German TV station RTL this week and explained that Michael Schumacher can no longer speak and is heavily reliant on caregivers.#
The situation is very sad.
He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers - and he can no longer express himself verbally.
The Schumacher family has made concerted efforts to keep the circle of trusted individuals who are permitted to visit or even be privy to details of his condition as tight-knit as possible.
Currently, there is a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael. The Schumachers have worked hard to keep the circle of trusted people who are allowed to visit or even know details of his condition as small as they can.
It is a rare update on the health of the Ferrari legend.
His former team boss at Ferrari, Jean Todt, revealed in 2022 that he regularly watches F1 races with Schumacher. Todt also spoke on his condition in 2023, saying that, "Michael is here, so I don't miss him [but he] simply is not the Michael he used to be."
The Schumacher family have fought hard to protect Michael's privacy since his accident, suing a German publication in 2023 for their publication of a tasteless AI-generated "interview" with the 56-year-old.
30 years ago today, the great Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut for Jordan ☘️
Will there ever be a better sponsor than the Jordan - 7Up linkup?pic.twitter.com/P4Qf2ixif0
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) August 25, 2021
Schumacher drove in F1 for over two decades. He was one of the many legends who was given their first drive in the sport by the late Eddie Jordan, and moved from Jordan to Benetton, where he won his first two world championships in 1994 and 1995.
A record-breaking five championships in a row followed at Ferrari from 2000 through 2004, leaving him on a similarly record-breaking seven world titles, a record he now shares with Lewis Hamilton.
He first retired in 2006, before returning for three seasons with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012.
His son Mick raced in F1 for two seasons in 2021 and 2022 for the Haas team.
