Michael Schumacher's close friend gives heartbreaking update on F1 legend
Michael Schumacher's former boss and close mate Flavio Briatore has given an emotional insight into the Formula 1 icon's current state. The racing legend suffered a catastrophic brain injury following a skiing accident in December 2013, with his wife Corinna keeping details of his treatment incredibly private.
The number of visitors Schumacher has had is extremely limited, yet it's known that he still requires round-the-clock care over 11 years post-accident. Briatore, who was instrumental in Schumacher's move to Benetton where he clinched two world championships, is one of the rare few who have seen the German since the tragedy.
Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Serra about Schumacher's present condition, Briatore reminisced: "If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though."
Schumacher was in a medically induced coma for 250 days post-accident before being permitted to go home for further care. While updates are sparse, Corinna did offer some insights in the 2021 Netflix documentary 'Schumacher'.
She expressed her longing in the documentary, saying: "I miss Michael every day," and added, "But it is not just me who misses him. It's the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.", reports the Mirror.
"We're together. We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he's comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.
"'Private is private', as he always said. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael."
Jean Todt, who was Ferrari's team principal when Schumacher clinched five consecutive world titles, has also visited the F1 legend post-accident. "Michael is here, so I don't miss him," Todt shared with L'Equipe in 2023.
"[But he] is simply not the Michael he used to be. 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.
"That's all there is to say. Unfortunately, fate struck him 10 years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula 1."
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