This Monday (12/29), exactly 12 years have passed since one of the most significant and quietest episodes in the recent history of this sport. In 2013, the world was following the worrying news from the French Alps: Michael Schumacher, seven-time Formula 1 champion, had suffered a serious skiing accident during a family vacation in Méribel, in the south-east of France.
That day, Schumacher was skiing outside the marked area when he fell and hit his head on a rock. Even with a helmet, the impact was violent. He was rescued by helicopter and transported to Grenoble hospital, where he was operated on and placed in an induced coma to contain possible brain damage.
4 pictures
Close the modal.
1 of 4Paul-Henri Cahier/Getty Images2 of 4Marcus Brandt/Bongarts/Getty Images3 of 4Michael Cooper/Getty Images4 of 4Paul Gilham/Getty Images
The following weeks were marked by cautious medical reports and little official information. In September 2014, shortly before the accident ended, Schumacher left the hospital and began receiving treatment at his home in Switzerland. Since then, his health has been monitored privately, with ongoing care and restricted access.
Discretion and caution
In those 12 years, almost no updates were made public. One of the rare exceptions is Jean Todt, a personal friend and former Ferrari boss, who has spoken about the German in specific interviews.
“I saw Michael last week. He’s struggling. I hope the world gets to see you again soon. This is what he and his family are fighting for,” he told the Daily Mail in 2020. Months later, he reiterated on RTL: “I see Michael very often, once or twice a month. My answer is always the same: he fights.
Read also
-
Sporty
Michael Schumacher’s friend reveals information about former driver
-
Sporty
Michael Schumacher’s friend reveals driver took German seriously
-
Sporty
Michael Schumacher’s “sign of life” 12 years after a serious accident
-
Sporty
Michael Schumacher shows signs of improvement, newspaper says
In 2021, the Netflix documentary Schumacher brought the most direct account of the family. Corinna Schumacher summed up her husband’s situation without going into medical details: “Even though he is here, he is not the same, but he is there.” Mick Schumacher also participated in the production and said that his father was no longer able to communicate as before, lamenting the loss of daily coexistence.
Occasional appearances
Despite the silence, specific episodes have attracted public attention. In 2024, rumors emerged that Schumacher was present at his daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding, with no public record. In April 2025, a symbolic gesture had an echo: the seven-time champion would have affixed the initials “MS” to a helmet from the Race Against Dementia campaign, supported by Corinna. It was unclear whether the autograph was written independently or with assistance.
Twelve years after the accident which interrupted his public life, Schumacher remains one of the greatest references in F1. Owner of seven world titles, 91 victories and a dominant era at Ferrari, the German remains present in the memory of the sport, while his state of health continues to be protected by the silence chosen by his family.
About The Author
