More than a decade after Michael Schumacher’s life-changing skiing accident, a rare update has emerged about the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. Flavio Briatore, who managed Schumacher during his early career with Benetton, offered a glimpse into the legend’s condition—and the emotional reality behind the silence that has surrounded his health for years.
Schumacher has remained out of the public eye since his 2013 accident in the French Alps, which left him with a severe brain injury. Since then, only a small circle of trusted individuals has been allowed to visit him at his home near Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Among them is Briatore, who recently shared his thoughts in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
“If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory,” Briatore said. “I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though.”
Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, has played a central role in safeguarding his privacy, shielding him from media scrutiny while ensuring he receives constant care. Few updates have been made public over the past 12 years, making Briatore’s words especially poignant for fans longing to know how their hero is doing.
Adding to the emotional weight of the story, Briatore’s former partner, Elisabetta Gregoraci, previously revealed that Schumacher is unable to speak but communicates with his eyes. “Only three people can visit him,” she said, “and I know who they are.”
Despite the deeply private nature of Schumacher’s recovery, there have been small signs that hint at his enduring strength. One such moment reportedly occurred when he, with the help of Corinna, signed an F1 helmet—a symbolic gesture that sparked hope among those closest to him.
Former teammate Johnny Herbert commented on the incident, saying it might be a subtle sign of progress. “It could mean something. It’s a glimmer, perhaps, but a powerful one.”
Off the track, the Schumacher family recently reached another life milestone—Michael and Corinna have become grandparents. It’s a tender reminder that life continues to evolve, even in the face of long-term adversity.
As Formula 1 continues to race forward, Michael Schumacher remains a deeply respected figure—not just for his unmatched achievements, but for the strength and dignity with which his family has navigated this long, silent chapter.
