December 29 is no ordinary date for fans of Formula 1 and the sporting world in general.
Exactly twelve years ago the nightmare news emerged that Michael Schumacher had been seriously injured during a skiing holiday in France.
Three days later he was operated on at the University Hospital of Grenoble. On January 2, his press officer Sabine Kehm subsequently stopped providing updates on the condition of the seven-time world champion.
There has only been one official update since then. In July 2014, it was announced that Michael had emerged from his coma and had been transferred to Lausanne.
A few weeks later he returned to his family’s home on the shore of Lake Geneva, where he has been cared for by a specialist medical team ever since. In practice, there has been no noticeable improvement in his condition over the past twelve years.
Due to the lack of official information, millions of fans worldwide have to rely on statements from people from Formula 1 who are still in contact with the small circle around Schumacher.
Personal doctor from Finland
Names mentioned include Ross Brawn, former engineer at Benetton and Ferrari, Jean Todt, former team boss of Ferrari, Bernie Ecclestone and Gerhard Berger. Hardly anyone else. Even his former manager Willi Weber is not allowed to visit his former client.
In the year 2025, Richard Hopkins, a well-known face in the paddock and former operational director at Red Bull and director at McLaren, also made a statement about Schumacher. The two reportedly had a good relationship despite never working on the same team.
Hopkins speculated about the condition of the former champion and indicated that he had not heard anything concrete for some time.
“I know he has a personal doctor from Finland,” he said in an interview with Sportbible about a month ago.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see Michael again,” Hopkins added.
“I even feel uncomfortable talking about his situation because of the secrecy the family wants to keep for understandable reasons.”
“I can’t say I’m best friends with Jean Todt, Ross or Gerhard Berger.”
“But even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend and asked him how Michael was doing.”
“Even if you offered him a good glass of red wine, he wouldn’t say anything. Everyone who visits Michael shows respect and doesn’t share information.”
“That’s what the family wants. Even if I knew something, I would be disappointing them by telling them.”
According to speculation from various doctors over the years, Michael is said to be in a state of impaired consciousness. He may recognize those close to him and may have even watched Formula 1 races. However, he would not be able to speak or walk after the serious accident.
“This is not the Michael we knew,” Jean Todt said earlier.
One of the big stories this year was the sale of the racing suit Schumacher wore when he finished second at the 2000 Hungarian Grand Prix. The winner of the online auction paid 95,650 euros.
Collectors also bid on other Schumacher personal items, including a 1995 Benetton racing suit and a signed 2003 Ferrari helmet.
These were sold for 61,360 euros and 11,520 euros respectively. Part of the proceeds went to the Keep Fighting foundation, which was founded by the Schumacher family in 2017.
“A significant portion of the proceeds will go toward financing the former champion’s medical care at his home,” auction organizer Rich Sodi said.
A few months earlier, Sir Jackie Stewart sold a special helmet with signatures of all living world champions. The Scot confirmed that one of those signatures was Schumacher’s.
“It’s great that Michael was able to sign the helmet for this noble cause, the fight against dementia.”
“His wife Corinna helped him with this, so the collection is complete,” says Stewart.
RTL journalist Felix Görner is someone who maintains some contact with the family, he also spoke about the situation.
“It is a very sad situation. He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. He can no longer express himself verbally.”
This constant care is accompanied by strict control of information.
“At this time, a maximum of twenty people are allowed to visit Michael. In my opinion, that is the right strategy, because the family is acting in his best interests.”
“They have always strictly protected his privacy and that has not changed,” Görner added.
Twelve years have passed almost unnoticed, but the news remains scarce and far from hopeful about the condition of one of the greatest sporting icons of our time.
