Michael Schumacher's approved visitors explains secrecy of health info after latest update
Information about Michael Schumacher's condition has been scant since his tragic skiing accident over a decade ago, with one of his close friends now revealing the reason
A source close to Michael Schumacher has explained the secrecy surrounding the Formula One legend's health by revealing that only 20 people can see him.
Record seven-time F1 world champion Schumacher, 56, has stayed out of the public eye since his devastating skiing accident in December 2013. The German racing legend initially received care in hospital before being moved to the family’s home in Switzerland, where he has been taken care of by his wife, Corinna, and an extremely tight inner circle of medical staff and friends.
One of those close friends - RTL reporter Felix Gorner - is one of the select few with a direct link to the Ferrari icon today. “The situation is very sad,” he has now admitted, giving an update on the seven-time world champion’s welfare. “He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers.
“And he can no longer express himself verbally. Currently, there's a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael. And, in my opinion, it's the right strategy. Because the family is acting in Michael's best interests. They've always strictly protected his privacy, and that hasn't changed.”
Corinna has successfully managed to keep the cohort with direct access to Schumacher to an absolute minimum to prevent details about his health from being released. However, reliance on some outside help has been unavoidable as they ensure that the 91-time Grand Prix winner gets the right level of care that his condition demands.
One such individual, known as Markus F., served as a security guard for the family. He was found guilty earlier this year for trying to blackmail the Schumachers.
Together with bouncer Yilmaz T. and his son, Daniel L., he stole 900 photographs and 600 videos, as well as medical records, before threatening to publicise them unless the Schumacher family paid him a ransom of £12million (€15m).
The inner circle maintaining Schumacher's privacy means that there have been very few updates on his wellbeing. But Jean Todt, a longtime friend and a former Ferrari F1 chief, offered a glimpse into Schumacher’s status in an interview with La Repubblica.
“Michael is here, so I don’t miss him,” Todt said. “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 ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”
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