The Mystery of Schumacher: How the Formula 1 Legend is Fighting for Life 12 Years After the Tragedy and Why His Condition is Kept Secret

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Publiation data: 26.01.2026 13:03
The Mystery of Schumacher: How the Formula 1 Legend is Fighting for Life 12 Years After the Tragedy and Why His Condition is Kept Secret

Michael Schumacher remains one of the most enigmatic figures in motorsport. More than 12 years have passed since his tragic skiing accident, and Formula 1 fans around the world continue to be concerned about his condition. The seven-time champion, whose records inspire generations, lives in strict privacy, surrounded by the care of family and medical staff. Daily Mail and Daily Express have revealed new details about the life of the great racer Michael Schumacher and his health condition.

More than 12 years ago, on December 29, 2013, Michael Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in Meribel, France. The brain damage affected both hemispheres, and the racer was in a coma for a long time. Since then, his condition has improved but remains complex. According to recent reports, Schumacher is no longer bedridden and is not dependent on a ventilator, as was reported in December 2018.

At 57, he moves around the house in a wheelchair with the help of nurses and therapists. He cannot walk independently, but this is already significant progress compared to the early years after the accident. In September 2019, there were reports of a secret hospitalization at a Paris clinic for stem cell treatment, and in June 2020, about an upcoming transplant operation. These procedures have likely contributed to his improvement, although the details remain confidential. His family strictly limits information to protect his privacy, but such updates give hope to fans following the fate of their idol.

Interestingly, rumors about locked-in syndrome, where consciousness is preserved but communication is limited to blinking, have not been confirmed. Sources indicate that Schumacher is aware of some of what is happening around him, but not everything, and he cannot communicate fully. This makes his story even more poignant for fans who remember him as an indomitable fighter on the track.

Schumacher Family Residences: From Switzerland to Mallorca

The Schumacher family carefully guards their privacy, and their homes have become true fortresses. The main residence is a luxurious mansion worth £50 million in Gland, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva. This town with 13,000 residents provides tranquility, ideal for recovery. Here, Michael spends most of his time under the constant supervision of a medical team, whose care costs tens of thousands of pounds weekly.

The family often visits Mallorca, at an elite mansion worth £30 million in the Las Brisas area near Andratx. This house on a hill is surrounded by tall trees, a stone wall, and black gates, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Winter is particularly beautiful here: the sun illuminates the mountains, and white waves crash below. Security, including friendly Spaniards in SEGURIDAD uniforms, closely monitors visitors, and cameras capture everything. This house was purchased by his wife Corinna from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in 2017 as a vacation home with a pool and helicopter pad.

Family and Close Ones: Support from Corinna, Mick, and Gina

Michael Schumacher married Corinna in 1995, and she remains his main support. Corinna strictly controls the circle of visitors — only three to four people besides family. Among them is former Ferrari chief Jean Todt, who regularly visits his friend and watches Formula 1 races with him. Todt refers to Michael as a "second son" and emphasizes that he "continues to fight," respecting his dignity.

Son Mick Schumacher, a former Haas driver in Formula 1, is now starting a career in IndyCar in the No. 47 Dallara-Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. At 14, Mick was with his father during the accident and calls him an idol. Corinna will soon travel to the U.S. to support her son, adding positivity to family news.

Daughter Gina married Jan Betke in 2024 at the Yasmin villa in Mallorca. There were rumors about Michael's presence, but it seems he did not attend the wedding to maintain privacy. There are no photos of Schumacher in his current condition — attempts by former staff to sell images on the dark web led to their arrest.

Career and Legacy: Records, Scandals, and Respect in Formula 1

Michael Schumacher shares the record for titles — seven — with Lewis Hamilton, but his 91 wins and 77 fastest laps (a record held for 14 years) remain legendary. Hamilton has surpassed him in wins (105), but Schumacher set standards as a team player: he cared for the mechanics, worked late, and gifted them Swiss watches.

His career was not without scandals — a collision with Damon Hill in 1994, disqualification in 1997 against Jacques Villeneuve, and blocking Fernando Alonso in Monaco 2006. Schumacher denied the stains on his reputation, but at Ferrari, he is remembered as a devoted leader.

In 2026, anniversaries will be celebrated: 30 years with Ferrari and 20 years since his retirement in 2006 after winning in Monza.

Blackmail and Privacy Protection: Recent Incidents

Last year, there was a blackmail scandal: three men, including former bodyguard Markus Fritsche, were convicted of stealing hard drives containing photos, videos, and medical records. Yilmaz Tozturkan received three years (released on a €10,000 bail), his son Daniel Lins — six months probation, Fritsche — two years probation.

Press secretary Sabina Khem called this "extremely malicious" and noted that the family has become stricter with close ones. Ross Brawn from Ferrari likely saw Schumacher but remains silent.

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