A decade after his accident, a cautious update on Michael Schumacher

January 28, 2026 Oliver Obel

For more than a decade, Michael Schumacher’s public life has been marked by strict privacy. Since the Formula One legend suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, his family has released only limited information, repeatedly stressing their wish to shield him from public scrutiny.

As a result, confirmed details about Schumacher’s health have remained scarce, with most updates emerging through secondary reporting rather than official statements.

A limited report of progress

This month, British tabloid The Sun published what it described as a modest update on Schumacher’s condition, citing unnamed sources familiar with his care.

According to the report, Schumacher, now 57, is no longer permanently confined to a bed and is able to sit upright in a wheelchair. The newspaper said this allows him to be moved around private family properties, including homes in Majorca and near Lake Geneva. No medical records or independent verification accompanied the claims.

Ongoing care

The same report said Schumacher continues to receive round-the-clock care from his wife, Corinna, along with a dedicated medical team. While the family has previously confirmed that he requires constant support, it has not commented publicly on the specifics of his treatment or mobility.

Awareness and communication

Over the years, speculation has circulated suggesting Schumacher could communicate only by blinking. Sources quoted by The Sun said this portrayal was inaccurate, claiming he retains some awareness of what is happening around him, though not a full understanding.

The family has never publicly addressed Schumacher’s cognitive condition, and no medical professionals have spoken on the record about his level of awareness.

Family privacy and legal action

Schumacher has not appeared publicly since the accident, and repeated rumours have proven unfounded. Last year, speculation that he might attend the 2024 wedding of his daughter, Gina-Maria, did not materialise.

In a separate case underscoring the family’s determination to protect his privacy, German courts in 2024 convicted three former employees who attempted to blackmail the Schumachers by threatening to release hundreds of private images, according to earlier reporting.

Earlier this month, Gina-Maria shared a rare pre-accident family photograph on social media to mark her father’s birthday, writing: “The best forever. Happy birthday papa.”

Friends urge restraint

Comments from former colleagues highlight how little is known beyond Schumacher’s inner circle. Richard Hopkins, a former Red Bull head of operations, told SPORTbible that he does not expect Schumacher to return to public view.

“I don’t think we’ll see Michael again,” Hopkins said, adding that he felt uncomfortable discussing Schumacher’s condition out of respect for the family’s wishes. He noted that only a small group of trusted figures, including Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, remain in contact.

As with most reporting on Schumacher’s health, the latest claims offer only fragments and are unlikely to alter the family’s long-standing commitment to keeping his condition private.

Sources: The Sun, SPORTbible, AFP