More than a decade since his life-altering accident, Michael Schumacher is reportedly communicating with people solely through his eyes.
The 47 year old Formula 1 icon suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing in the French Alps, striking his head against a rock. Following an extended period in a medically induced coma, he now relies on constant care administered by his wife, Corina, along with a medical support team.
Details about Schumacher’s health have been zealously guarded by his family, with only a select few being privy to the true state of the racing champion’s condition.
Yet, some insights have trickled out through public statements, such as those from Elisabetta Gregoraci, the former wife of F1 mogul Flavio Briatore, who divulged that Schumacher ‘communicates only through his eyes’, reports the Mirror.
She disclosed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”
While Corinna maintains a vigilant stance on her husband’s privacy, there has been a buzz around Schumacher’s supposed first public outing in a long while, having reportedly attended his daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding last weekend. The event took place in the Schumacher family estate in Majorca, with German media reporting that he was indeed present for his daughter’s special day.
While it’s yet to be confirmed if Schumacher will make more appearances outside of his family’s private circle, his presence at his daughter’s wedding could indicate a shift in the family’s stance.
Reports suggest that guests at the wedding were required to leave their mobile phones at the entrance to ensure Schumacher’s privacy was maintained throughout the ceremony.
Despite his absence from the public eye, Schumacher continues to be remembered by many in the racing world. His son, Mick, has followed in his father’s illustrious footsteps, previously racing in F1 for Haas.
Ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt has been open about Schumacher and his recovery journey. He acknowledged that while Schumacher’s family have coped ‘wonderfully’ since his accident, his friend is not the same person he once was.
In an interview with a French magazine late last year, Todt said: “Michael is here, so I don’t miss him. [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 ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One.”
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