Motorsport icon Michael Schumacher now uses his eyes to communicate, almost 12 years on from the skiing tragedy that changed his life. The Formula 1 legend has been largely shielded from the public since suffering a traumatic brain injury in the French Alps in December 2013, with wife Corinna overseeing his care.
It was initially hoped there would be some realistic road to recovery for the seven-time F1 world champion. However, fans have gradually come to terms with the reality that Schumacher will never return to the spotlight. It’s understood ‘Schumi’ is unable to communicate verbally as a result of his injuries. But that doesn’t mean he’s entirely incapable of conversing through other means. Guests to the Schumacher estate have become increasingly rare in the years since his accident. But tidbits of information regarding the former driver and his current condition have come to light.
Elisabetta Gregoraci, ex-wife of former Benetton chief Flavio Briatore, told Spanish media in 2020 that Schumacher now communicates with his eyes. She said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him, and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”
Corinna, 56, who married Schumacher in 1995, has been responsible for her husband’s care since his devastating injury. And that role has led to tight restrictions on the number of people permitted to see the racing great.
That being said, Schumacher reportedly made a rare public appearance in September 2024 when his daughter, Gina-Maria, got married. Despite conflicting accounts, it’s understood Schumacher was present for the ceremony at the family villa in Mallorca.
German outlets suggested guests were instructed to hand in all mobile phones in order to avoid pictures being taken of Schumacher. And it would appear the measures were a success, considering there have been no leaked images of the former Ferrari superstar one year on.
A large majority of Schumacher’s care has taken place at the family’s other home on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. However, he has also spent extensive time at the family home in Mallorca since it was purchased in 2017.
Corinna completed the £27million purchase of the palatial property, which was previously owned by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. It was previously suggested the family were moving permanently to the residence, only for those reports to be quashed.
Despite his absence from public life, Schumacher remains a widely adored figure by fans and friends alike. Jean Todt, his former team manager at Ferrari, has spoken fondly of their friendship but gave a heartbreaking account of the German’s state in 2023.
“Michael is here, so I don’t miss him. [But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be,” said Todt. “He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him.”
