Michael Schumacher's friend shares heartbreaking update as new details emerge
The Formula One icon suffered devastating head injuries in a skiing incident in 2013.
Michael Schumacher's close friend and former boss Jean Todt says the Formula One legend is "no longer the Michael we knew" in a heartbreaking update on the sporting icon's condition. Schumacher suffered devastating head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013 which left him in a medically-induced coma for 250 days.
Schumacher's condition has remained a closely guarded secret in the almost decade that has followed, with his family limiting the number of people who can visit him. The 54-year-old has not been seen publicly since his accident and no details on his condition have been confirmed by the family since 2013 but Todt has now given an insight into his current condition.
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"Michael is here, so I don’t miss him," he told French newspaper L’Equipe in a recent interview. "He's just not the Michael he used to be.
"He’s different and he’s wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now, and I am privileged to share moments with him. Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One."
The family’s lawyer, Felix Damm, explained in October that no "final report" has been publicised on the 54-year-old’s health because the family concluded that the media would continue to ask for frequent updates on his condition. "It was always about protecting private things," Damm told German outlet LTO.
"We considered whether a final report about Michael’s health could be the right way to do this. But that wouldn’t have been the end of it and there would have had to be constantly updated ‘water level reports’ and it would not have been up to the family when the media interest in the story stopped."
Michael Schumacher documentary reveals his true competitive spirit
A new documentary series has been released in Germany this week called Being Michael Schumacher which details his work ethic and demeanour. The documentary features contributions from his son Mick as well as F1 legends Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who described Schumacher as a "full-out great racer".
Long-time rival David Coulthard said Schumacher's "cold and ruthless" attitude led him to being so successful as he pushed the boundaries. "My understanding of where the limit was maybe more in line with the rest of the drivers," said Coulthard.
"He (Michael) could be very ruthless, he could be cold, he could be distant. I think that’s probably what, at that level, you need to have to be that successful."
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