Michael Schumacher's close friend shares emotional message about the F1 champ's health condition

Michael Schumacher has remained out of public view for more than a decade after his career-ending skiing accident. While his health condition is still closely guarded by his family, one of Schumacher’s close friends from the F1 paddock has spoken on the current state of the seven-time world champion.

Since the accident in December 2013, Schumacher’s family has maintained near-total secrecy over his condition. Only a small group of people is allowed any form of access, and even fewer speak publicly. Ferrari’s former team principal, Jean Todt, is among those trusted individuals and had once confirmed that Schumacher follows F1 races.

Richard Hopkins, former Red Bull’s Head of Operations and a long-time friend of Schumacher, echoed that sentiment while acknowledging how little is truly known outside the family.

“There have been reports over the years, and I don’t know if they’re true, that he watches races and reacts if something happens on the screen,” Hopkins said, speaking to SPORTbible. “I hope he does. Nobody wants to be in the potential position that Michael’s in. If he can watch Grands Prix and get some pleasure from that, when Formula 1 was his life, and if it’s still part of his life through that, then I hope that’s the case. I don’t know if it is, but I’d love to think it is," he added.

Michael Schumacher’s life changed dramatically on December 29, 2013, when he fell while skiing in the French Alps. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered severe brain injuries. He was airlifted to the hospital and was in a medically induced coma for several months before being transferred to his home in Switzerland, where he continues to receive round-the-clock care.

Michael Schumacher during the 2002 FIA Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Source: Getty

Finnish neurosurgeon Dr. Jussi Posti, who has followed Schumacher’s case, suggested last year that the former Ferrari driver’s condition remains extremely serious. He indicated that Schumacher is unlikely to lead an active life and is largely bedridden, with significant physical limitations.

Earlier this year, Schumacher appeared to have signed on a helmet for a charity event. While it remains unclear how much assistance he required, F1 insider Stefan L’Hermitte described it as “almost a sign of life.”

---

Michael Schumacher’s inner circle remains tightly guarded

Michael Schumacher of Mercedes with his wife Corrina during the 2011 Abu Dhabi GP. Source: Getty

Michael Schumacher’s home life remains defined by strict rules and controlled access. His wife Corinna and their children, Gina-Maria and Mick Schumacher, are central to his daily care, with figures like Jean Todt and Ross Brawn among the few allowed to visit.

In the same interview, Richard Hopkins stressed the importance of discretion surrounding Schumacher’s security and the size of his inner circle.

“I think it’s fairly clear. There are only two, three, four people that we know of. There are probably others,” Hopkins told SPORTbible. “Michael had friendships with people who weren’t owners of Formula One teams or racing drivers, so I’m sure there are people who probably see him that we just don’t know about, because we don’t know their names.” “I’m sure he’s not behind armed guards at his bedroom door. But there are fairly strict rules, and we don’t talk about those rules. I’m not going to try and visit Michael,” Hopkins added.

A recent blackmail case involving Michael Schumacher’s former security guard reinforced why the family remains uncompromising about privacy.

Edited by Parag Jain