Michael Schumacher’s medical condition still remains a mystery
As Formula One drivers prepare for the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, thoughts turn to Michael Schumacher – considered by almost everyone as the best ever in the sport – who continues his fight more than four years after a near-fatal brain injury in a skiing accident.
The seven-time F1 champion is still being cared for at home in the Swiss town of Gland on the shores of Lake Geneva. His family has fiercely protected his privacy as mystery continues to shroud the 49-year-old German’s medical condition.
But for the drivers and fans, Schumacher’s status as a F1 legend is indisputable – his record seven titles and 91 wins makes him a figure to be respected and adored.
“He was the benchmark of physical approach, of mental approach,” said 33-year-old Polish driver Robert Kubica, who grew up watching Schumacher and himself earned 12 F1 podiums from 2006-10.
“What can be said is that the family really appreciates the empathy of the fans,” Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm told The Associated Press by telephone on Friday. “The people really do see and understand (his health situation) is not to be shared in the public eye.”
Schumacher was skiing with his son Mick in the French Alps when he fell on December 29, 2013. His helmet split open when his head hit a rock.
Although doctors worked to remove the blood clots from his brain, some were left as they were far too deeply embedded.
His condition stabilised after he was placed in a drug-induced coma. He later emerged from the coma.
But that’s all the public knows as his family has sought to protect his privacy.
“Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard,” Kehm said 16 months ago. “Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere.”
But Schumacher’s family acknowledge and appreciates the support from his fans all around the world.
From June 16 onward, The Michael Schumacher Private Collection — including cars, race-worn helmets and other memorabilia from his F1 days — will be displayed at an old airport in the Germany city of Cologne.
“It is to give back to the fans,” Kehm said. “To celebrate Michael the racing driver.”