Michael Schumacher and his long struggle after the 2013 skiing accident
Michael Schumacher, the iconic Formula One driver, suffered traumatic brain injuries following a skiing accident in 2013 that would change his life forever. For the 11 years since, the Schumacher family has kept details of his condition secret, as the world reflects on the fate of one of the most admired sportsmen.
On December 29, 2013, Schumacher was skiing with his family in Meribel, France. Familiar with the area, he decided to help another skier off-piste, but lost control when he hit a rock and hit his head on another. Although he was wearing a helmet, the impact was so strong that it broke in two. Initially conscious, his erratic behavior led doctors to airlift him to Grenoble, where emergency surgery saved his life. He was put into an induced coma due to brain hemorrhages.
Schumacher’s critical condition shocked the world. Formula 1 teammates Mika Häkkinen and Sebastian Vettel sent messages of support, while figures such as Angela Merkel expressed concern. However, the family’s privacy was invaded, with photographers harassing his wife, Corinna, and a journalist trying to gain access to the hospital disguised as a priest.
In January 2014, the process of awakening him from his coma began. In April, he showed signs of consciousness and, in June, he left the hospital to continue his rehabilitation in Switzerland. The family adapted their home to meet his medical needs, hiring a specialized team. However, in 2016, his lawyer confirmed that Schumacher could neither walk nor stand, denying irresponsible rumors of a full recovery.
The Schumacher family has faced multiple legal and ethical challenges, such as the theft of their medical records and the publication of fake interviews generated by artificial intelligence. In 2024, they won a case against a German magazine over the latter incident. Corinna and her children have prioritized Michael’s privacy, choosing to protect him from public exposure while they continue his rehabilitation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, Schumacher remains an inspirational figure. In 2019, his family thanked fans for their support in a statement, stressing that he was in the best possible hands. His close friend Jean Todt regularly visits the former driver, stating that he will always be part of his family.
Michael Schumacher, a legend on the track, continues to fight off it, while his family and the world of sport remember him as an example of strength and dedication.
