Michael Schumacher suffered a near-fatal skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013 and the Formula 1 legend has remained out of public view ever since.

Michael Schumacher suffered a skiing accident 12 years ago (Image: Getty)

Today marks 12 years since Michael Schumacher suffered a devastating skiing accident. While he survived, he has stayed away from the public eye ever since, with details about his present condition remaining scarce.

The accident occurred in the French Alps, where Schumacher ventured off-piste and struck his head on a rock, even though he was wearing a helmet. The German F1 icon was subsequently airlifted to hospital and put into a medically-induced coma for several months before being transferred to the family residence in Lake Geneva, where he now lives with round-the-clock medical attention. It is understood that Schumacher’s life is incredibly difficult, with as many as 15 people caring for him continuously. It’s also thought he is confined to bed and cannot speak.

When it comes to communication, Schumacher depends entirely on his eyes to interact with family and friends. This information was disclosed by Elisabetta Gregoraci, the former partner of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore – remarkably surprising considering how little is known about Schumacher’s condition.

“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,” she said.

It was reported that he made his first appearance at his daughter’s wedding in 2024, with guests asked to hand in their mobile phones to protect Schumacher’s privacy, although that has since been contested. Jean Todt, the former Ferrari chief, has offered rare glimpses into Schumacher’s situation.

In 2023, he told a French outlet: “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.

Schumacher is an F1 icon (Image: Getty)

“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.”

Finnish brain surgeon Dr Jussi Posti has offered additional perspective on what Schumacher’s present circumstances might entail. Speaking to Finnish outlet Iltalehti, he stated: “Based on the information available, I don’t think he leads a very active life.”

Access to Schumacher remains tightly restricted, with only an intimate group of relatives and close confidants permitted visits. Todt, Ross Brawn and former racing driver Gerhard Berger are among those confirmed to have seen him.

Addressing questions about Schumacher’s privacy, his manager Sabine Kehm stated: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.”

The former Ferrari driver was an avid skier (Image: Getty)

In a 2021 documentary, Schumacher’s wife Corinna explained their approach: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”

Despite their tireless efforts to maintain Schumacher’s privacy, it was revealed earlier this year that former nightclub bouncer Yilmaz T. and his accomplices had orchestrated a shocking extortion scheme, demanding £12million to prevent them from publishing 900 photographs, 600 videos and medical documents on the dark web.

The images were reported to show Schumacher lying in a hospital bed, sitting in a wheelchair and attached to medical equipment. The man was sentenced to three years in prison whilst his accomplices received suspended sentences.

A missing hard drive continues to pose problems for the family, with barrister Thilo Damm stating: “We don’t know where the missing hard drive is… There is the possibility of another threat through the back door.”