A German journalist close to the F1 legend's family has said that Michael Schumacher has been unable to communicate verbally since his 2013 accident.
"The situation is very sad. He needs constant care and is completely dependent on others. He cannot express himself verbally," said Felix Gorner, a reporter for German radio station RTL. The Daily Mail reported that Felix Gorner is one of the journalists close to the Schumacher family.
Gorner also commented on Schumacher's private life since his tragic accident in 2013: "Only a maximum of 20 people can access Michael now." The journalist believes this is the right strategy to protect the F1 legend's best interests.
Gorner's comments came after the ex-wife of former F1 boss Flavio Briatore revealed how Schumacher communicates: "Michael doesn't talk, he makes eye contact." She said only three people can visit him.
The information that Michael Schumacher cannot speak was seemingly confirmed by his son, Mick, in a 2021 Netflix documentary about his father's life. Mick said: "Now my dad and I will understand each other in a different way." In that documentary, Michael's wife Corinna also gave a rare update on her husband's condition, saying he was still recovering from his life-changing injury and was now "different but still here."
The last official update on Schumacher's condition was in 2023 when it was reported that he was being tested in a Mercedes AMG sports car for brain stimulation. There were also reports that he appeared at his daughter Gina's wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert denied this.
F1 legend Michael Schumacher suffered an accident in December 2013, which left him in a medically induced coma and has not been seen in public since. The seven-time world champion is being cared for by his medical team and family at his home on Lake Geneva. However, little information has been released about his health. The Schumacher family are very protective of their privacy, with even close friends not knowing the current state of the 56-year-old legend's health.
Michael Schumacher's son Mick Schumacher followed in his father's footsteps into F1 by driving for Haas in 2021 and 2022. However, he was dropped for the 2023 season to make way for Nico Hulkenberg. Mick now competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Alpine.