Michael Schumacher, the seven-time F1 world champion and one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history, has remained out of the public eye for over a decade. His tragic skiing accident in December 2013 changed the course of his life and left fans across the globe searching for answers about his medical condition and ongoing recovery.
As time has passed, public interest in Schumacher’s well-being has never faded. Each rare update from the family or close associates is met with intense media attention. Yet, the mystery surrounding his condition has only deepened, largely because of the family’s strong commitment to privacy and controlled communication.
The 2013 skiing accident
On December 29, 2013, Michael Schumacher was on a skiing vacation with his family in the French Alps when he fell and hit his head on a rock. Despite him wearing a helmet, the impact caused severe brain trauma. He was then airlifted to the University Hospital of Grenoble, where doctors performed two emergency brain surgeries.
Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma. His condition was described as “extremely critical” in the initial days.
After nearly six months in the coma, Schumacher was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Lausanne in June 2014. Later that year, he was moved to his family home in Gland, Switzerland.
What is the current medical condition of Michael Schumacher?
As of 2025, Schumacher is no longer in a coma but is believed to have a prolonged disorder of consciousness. While exact details remain confidential, close associates have shared that he cannot speak and is not mobile. His wife, Corinna, has said he is “different, but here,” and continues to show strength in his own way. [via People.com]
Jean Todt, former Ferrari team boss, has occasionally visited Schumacher and commented that they “watch races together,” offering rare insight without compromising the family’s privacy. [via FOX Sports]
The cost of long-term care
Schumacher’s care reportedly involves a team of medical professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, and round-the-clock monitoring. Earlier estimates from Express UK placed the annual medical cost at over $9 million [€7 million]. For context, the budget to build and run a modern F1 car can reach around $15 million [€13.1 million].
This comparison underscores the scale of medical resources required to support Schumacher’s condition, on par with the financial operations of a competitive F1 team.
Michael Schumacher and his family
Since the accident, the Schumacher family has enforced strict privacy. They’ve refused media access or detailed updates, insisting that Michael’s condition is a personal matter. While many fans respect this, the silence has also led to speculation and misinformation.
Although no longer active in the sport, Schumacher’s legacy remains untarnished. With 91 wins and seven world titles, his achievements are among the greatest in F1 history. His son, Mick Schumacher, carries the family name forward in motorsport, continuing his father’s legacy.