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      Michael Schumacher update as his heartbreaking final conversation with F1 pal revealed: ‘I just miss my friend’

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      SEBASTIAN Vettel has revealed his heartbreaking final conversation with his pal, F1 legend Michael Schumacher, before his horrific accident.Vettel said “I miss my friend” before he shared that the last time the pair spoke was when he broke the news he was to become a father.
      Sebastian Vettel recently revealed his last conversation with his pal Michael SchumacherCredit: PA:Press Association
      The pair were teammates and friends and won six Race of Champions Nations’ Cup crownsCredit: AFP – Getty
      As of December 29, 2023 it has been 10 years since Schumacher suffered life-changing head injuries, hitting his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps.
      Updates on the seven-time World Champion have been few and far between and he has not been seen in public since, with his family keeping information on his health private.
      Vettel discussed how his relationship with Schumacher grew “stronger and stronger” in the lead-up to his accident.
      The pair shared the Formula 1 grid between 2010-12 and also formed the German line-up which won six consecutive Race of Champions Nations’ Cup crowns between 2007-2012.
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      However, Vettel said the friendship between he and Schumacher grew so much that racing “was no longer the biggest thing (they) had in common.”
      Not only were they team mates but Vettel described Schumacher as an “extremely important” figure for advice and “inspiration” that has been missing in his life.
      “It’s still very, very difficult,” Vettel told RTL, “I don’t want to say to accept it, but to accept that he continues to fight.
      “Yes, of course, I only wish him the best. But it’s still very often a topic I think about privately and I think about a lot and that is definitely a recurring theme.
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      “Of course, the first thoughts immediately went to the last conversation we had together and that couldn’t be more positive. I told him that I was going to be a father and what was coming for us.
      He added: “I think I really appreciated it towards the end in that sense, where our relationship became stronger and stronger before the accident.
      “Because I think we both got to know each other more and more and racing was no longer the biggest thing we had in common, but life in general and life with and around racing.
      He continued: “I believe in recent years he would have been extremely important.”
      And explained how he has had “so many questions” recently and wishes he could have leaned on his pal for advice and support.
      Vettel acknowledged that for Schumacher’s family it is “more difficult” to cope with the tragedy, especially for his son Mick who was very young at the time of the accident.
      Vettel retired from Formula 1 after the 2022 season after achieving four World Championships with Red Bull between 2010-13.
      Michael Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes have urged him to “keep fighting” on the day of his 55th birthday.
      Read more on The Sun
      The birthday message from Mercedes provided some minor updates and suggests the 55-year-old is still battling back to full recovery.
      Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official Mercedes account wrote: “Happy Birthday, Michael. Today marks the @F1 legend’s 55th birthday. #KeepFightingMichael.”
      Vettel said his relationship with Schumacher grew “stronger and stronger” in the lead-up to his accidentCredit: EPA
      Vettel said their last conversation together was him telling Schumacher he was going to become a fatherCredit: EPA
      Schumacher has not been seen since he had a serious skiing accident in the French AlpesCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Schumacher’s kids share throwback pics & wish F1 legend happy 55th birthday as mystery over his health remains

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s kids have wished their father happy birthday with throwback pictures and a heart touching message.The legendary F1 racer turned 55 just days after the 10th anniversary of his tragic ski accident.
      Michael Schumacher’s kids wished him on his 55th birthdayCredit: Getty
      Gina Schumacher posted a throwback picture of her and brother Mick with the Formula One legendCredit: Instagram
      Mick Schumacher posted a snap of him smiling and holding his thumb up with the legendCredit: Instagram
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      The legendary German was left fighting for his life after suffering a severe brain injury that saw him placed in a medically induced coma.
      But since being discharged from hospital in September 2014 to receive treatment at home, his recovery has been shrouded in mystery.
      Taking to her Instagram, the German racer’s daughter Gina Schumacher, 26, posted a heartfelt birthday wish.
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      Attached to the post was a throwback picture of her and brother Mick with the Formula One legend.
      Gina wrote: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”
      Schumacher’s 24-year-old son Mick also wished his dad happy birthday on the social media platform.
      He posted a snap of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looks lovingly towards him. 
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      Mick wrote in the captions: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”
      Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also wished him in his birthday – and urged the German racer to “keep fighting”.
      Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official Mercedes account wrote: “Happy Birthday, Michael. Today marks the @F1 legend’s 55th birthday. #KeepFightingMichael.”
      Attached was a photo of Schumacher celebrating in Mercedes-clad gear and standing in front of one of his former cars.
      Despite rare glimpses into his health offering little reason for optimism, the world of motorsport still holds the legendary German close to its hearts.
      December 29 marked a full decade since Schumacher crashed while skiing in the French Alps, with his family sharing an agonising message
      The Keep Fighting Foundation, founded and run by Schumacher’s family urged the “inspiration” to keep going.
      But health updates continue to be few and far between, leaving room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
      Read more on The Sun
      Schumacher’s ex-Ferrari rival, Rubens Barrichello, even revealed the time he was denied a visit to the F1 legend after his fateful accident.
      Speaking to Flow Podcast in his native Brazil, Barrichello said he tried visiting his former teammate after the accident, but was declined after getting a call from Schuey’s team.
      Mercedes have urged Schumacher to ‘keep fighting’ as he celebrates his 55th birthday
      The German has been recovering from a tragic skiing accident for the past decadeCredit: AFP More

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      Michael Schumacher update as his ex-F1 team urges him to ‘keep fighting’ as mystery surrounds health on 55th birthday

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes have urged him to “keep fighting” on the day of his 55th birthday.The message of support comes as the seven-time F1 world champion continues to recover from a tragic skiing accident in December 2013.
      Mercedes have urged Schumacher to ‘keep fighting’ as he celebrates his 55th birthdayCredit: Twitter/X/@MercedesAMGF1
      The German has been recovering from a tragic skiing accident for the past decadeCredit: AFP
      Schumacher drove for Mercedes for three seasons after coming out of retirement in 2010Credit: AFP
      The legendary German was left fighting for his life after suffering a severe brain injury that saw him placed in a medically induced coma.
      But since being discharged from hospital in September 2014 to receive treatment at home, his recovery has been shrouded in mystery.
      The birthday message from Mercedes, however, provides some minor update and suggests the 55-year-old is still battling back to full recovery.
      Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official Mercedes account wrote: “Happy Birthday, Michael. Today marks the @F1 legend’s 55th birthday. #KeepFightingMichael.”
      Read more in F1
      Attached was a photo of Schumacher celebrating in Mercedes-clad gear and standing in front of one of his former cars.
      Fans flocked to the comments section to send their own birthday wishes to the German, but also to show their support for his wellbeing.
      One person said: “The man who made me fall in love with F1. Happy birthday, legend!”
      A second added: “Greatest of all time. I hope he is doing well.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      A third wrote: “Keep Fighting Legend!”
      Despite rare glimpses into his health offering little reason for optimism, the world of motorsport still holds the legendary German close to its hearts.
      His personality, racecraft and records have left an irreversible mark on the sport’s history.
      By the time Schumacher made his comeback from retirement in 2010 with Mercedes, however, he took just one podium during his three season stint.
      But it is the seven world championships and 91 wins over a glittering career between 1992 and 2006 that he is best remembered for.
      December 29 marked a full decade since Schumacher crashed while skiing in the French Alps, with his family sharing an agonising message
      The Keep Fighting Foundation, founded and run by Schumacher’s family urged the “inspiration” to keep going.
      But health updates continue to be few and far between, leaving room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
      Schumacher’s ex-Ferrari rival, Rubens Barrichello, even revealed the time he was denied a visit to the F1 legend after his fateful accident.
      Speaking to Flow Podcast in his native Brazil, Barrichello said he tried visiting his former teammate after the accident, but was declined after getting a call from Schuey’s team.
      Three years before the crash, Schumacher tied up his £750million fortune to his family in his will and testament, despite being just 41 at the time.
      Read more on The Sun
      When questioned on his decision by a German magazine in 2010, he replied: “Because of things that can happen in everyday life.”
      And how right he proved to be during that foreshadowing interview, with Schumacher left fighting for his life three years later.
      Schumacher took just one podium during his two years with MercedesCredit: AFP
      But it is the seven world championships and 91 wins over a glittering career between 1992 and 2006 that he is best remembered forCredit: Alamy More

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      Max Verstappen’s stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet branded ‘Queen of the free world’ as she dazzles in sparkly dress

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S girlfriend Kelly Piquet stunned as she saw in the New Year in style.Kelly wore an elegant dress as she enjoyed a glamorous night out on New Year’s Eve.
      Kelly Piquet saw in the New Year in styleCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      She dazzled in a glamorous dressCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      Fans loved the lookCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      The model partied with boyfriend Max VerstappenCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      The sparkly silver and black dress certainly caught the eye as the model shared some photos of her outfit on Instagram.
      Kelly captioned the post: “Last outfit of the year ✨”
      Fans were in awe of Kelly’s look and showered her with compliments.
      One said: “Shining like a star✨💖”
      READ MORE IN F1
      Another added: “Queen of the free world”
      A third wrote: “Hottieeeee ❤️”
      And another commented: “You are so stunning, Max is lucky to have a girl like you😍”
      It has been another happy year for Kelly after partner Verstappen claimed a third consecutive Formula One championship.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Kelly has dated Verstappen since 2020Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/
      Kelly is a top modelCredit: Instagram
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      Kelly has attracted a lot of attention recently thanks to her dazzling outfits, wowing fans in a low cut dress on a beach in Abu Dhabi.
      She also went braless in a see-through outfit at a pal’s wedding in November. More

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      Lewis Hamilton fuels fresh dating rumours as he parties with Kanye West’s model ex Juliana Nalu after ‘Shakira fling’

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      F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton has been spotted relaxing with supermodel Juliana Nalu after jetting to the beauty’s homeland.The pair were snapped partying together yesterday at a pre New Year’s Eve bash in the stunning coastal resort of Transcoso, north-east of Brazil.
      Lewis Hamilton was spotted relaxing with supermodel Juliana Nalu yesterdayCredit: Twitter/@fastpitstop
      The pair were seen at a pre New Year’s Eve bash in Transcoso, north-east of BrazilCredit: Twitter/@LewisHamiltonBR
      Fans convinced Lewis Hamilton is dating stunning Kanye West’s busty ex Juliana Nalu after hot tub snap emergedCredit: Instagram
      Fans later posted photos of Hamilton and Rio de Janeiro-born Juliana at a swish restaurant in the hippie chic destination.
      The model – who has dated Kanye West -has been romantically linked on and off to the racing driver for some time.
      Videos published on social media showed the 38-year-old sportsman, who was also previously rumoured to be getting close to Shakira, in a designer shirt and baseball cap in front of 25-year-old Juliana.
      Local reports said Hamilton had been surrounded by bodyguards but seemed happy and greeted well-wishers with a broad smile.
      read more on Lewis Hamilton
      Juliana, who made an appearance at the Miami Grand Prix paddock in May where Hamilton was competing, set tongues wagging in a partly-see-through black dress.
      The Brazilian beauty was first described as Lewis’ “new girlfriend” at the start of the year when F1 fans claimed she was the woman pictured next to him as he relaxed in a hot-tub in the Antarctic with former Olympic snowboarder Shaun White.
      Only part of the top half of her body including her arm was visible in the snap Shaun posted on social media, but it was enough to get Hamilton’s followers identifying the mystery female as Kanye West’s ex.
      Speaking about White and Hamilton, one person said: “Of course he’s on the same boat. Check Shaun White’s Insta, they’re in the hot tub and a girl (Juliana Nalu?) in Lewis’ arms.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Another added: “JULIANA NALU WITH LEWIS HAMILTON, REALLY???”
      A third said: “Juliana Nalu with Lewis Hamilton. LOL this darling is too good.”
      A fourth replied: “The Hamilton descent can be Brazilian and it only depends on Juliana Nalu.”
      Hamilton became an honorary citizen of Brazil in November last year.
      Congressman Andre Figueiredo had first made the suggestion after the Brit won the Brazilian Grand Prix for a third time at Interlagos.
      Hamilton, who was a huge admirer of Brazilian racing icon Ayrton Senna when he was growing up, carried a green and yellow Brazilian flag on his victory lap and at the podium to celebrate with local fans.
      In his last visit to the country last month for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he said he would return to the South American country at the end of the season.
      Beyonce shot part of her Blue video in Trancoso and her sister Solange spent her honeymoon there.
      American broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is a also regular visitor.
      The town has also attracted the likes of Naomi Campbell, Matthew McConaughey, Gisele Bunchen and Leonardo di Caprio.
      Juliana Nalu reportedly split with rapper Kanye West in December last year after only two short months of dating.
      Read more on The Sun
      She confirmed she was single on social media on December 5 2022 in answer to a question from a fan.
      The former couple were first rumoured to be romantically linked after they were spotted out in New York in October 2022.
      Dating rumours were sparked after Hamilton fans identified the model from her arm
      Juliana Nalu is Kanye West’s exCredit: Instagram More

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      I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rival

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s ex-Ferrari rival Rubens Barrichello revealed the time he was denied a visit to the F1 legend after his fateful accident.December 29 marked a full decade since the seven-time world champion crashed while skiing in Meribel, France, later staying 250 days in a medically-induced coma.
      Rubens Barrichello, left, was once denied a visit to Michael Schumacher after his skiing accidentCredit: Reuters
      The pair raced together at Ferrari between 2000 and 2005Credit: EPA

      Speaking to Flow Podcast in his native Brazil, Barrichello said he tried visiting his former teammate after his accident, but was declined after getting a call from Schuey’s team.
      “With Schumacher, I called once and said I wanted to visit him,” he revealed.
      “They told me that unfortunately I wouldn’t be helping and that I might be sad.
      “So I understood that at that moment it was not the time to enter [his life].
      More on Michael Schumacher
      “I’ve met his family another thousand times and I always give them all my love.”
      Barrichello and Schumacher had a complex and significant relationship when racing at Ferrari from 2000 to 2005.
      Schumacher, a seven-time World Champion, was the team’s leading driver, while Barrichello, a talented Brazilian driver, was known for playing a supporting role within the Scuderia.
      Their rivalry was notable for instances where team orders were imposed by Ferrari, favoring Schumacher over Barrichello.
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      This led to several controversial moments in Formula One, including instances where Barrichello had to cede positions to Schumacher, particularly in races where Barrichello was seemingly faster.
      Barrichello, however, appeared to tear up when remembering the time he led a prayer for Schuey before his son questioned him about the pair’s rivalry at Ferrari.
      “I was in California for New Year’s,” Barrichello recalled.
      “It was midnight and it was just the four of us [with his wife and children].
      “And it was that thing we have in Brazil, it’s midnight on New Year’s Eve, let’s be together.
      “And then I said ‘I would like to lead an Our Father prayer for Schumacher.’
      “But my son Dudu turned to me and asked ‘Why? He never did you any good.’
      “That was the moment I had to explain to him that a lot of what he heard was not coming from his father, but just toxic gossip [about their rivalry].”
      After his tragic ski accident, it’s understood that Schumacher’s friendship group has been trimmed down as his family continue to keep his health a secret and his inner circle small.
      Since 2013, his wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery – including forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the great man and those who can’t.
      Corinna has cut out certain people for a plethora or reasons including keeping the families privacy a priority and for the sake of Schuey.
      Michael’s wife – who he described as his “guardian angel” – has done her best to keep their life private including reportedly slimming down his £500m business empire and selling prized assets such as his private jet and Norwegian home.
      She has even converted part of their £50million home into a hospital where 15 doctors and a team of masseurs give him 24-hour care and the surrounding forest and security fences kept him away from anyone not welcome.
      The fellow ex-Ferrari driver and teammate Felipe Massa was one of the few lucky ones to have visited Schumacher after his accident in Meribel.
      “I saw him,” Massa told Brazilian podcast Fala Galvao.
      “But I think we always have to respect Corinna’s decision.”
      When asked if Schumacher’s situation was in any way reversible, Massa replied: “I think if there was something [positive/ a solution], we would have known by now.”
      Read more on The Sun
      But the Brazilian star remains hopeful and says he constantly prays for his friend’s full recovery.
      “But I’m always cheering and praying that maybe one day he’ll be back here, watching [Formula 1] or entering a race track, which is where I’ve always been with him.”
      Despite a fierce rivalry as teammates, Barrichello and Schuey had a friendly relationship off the racetrackCredit: AFP
      Barrichello spoke to Brazilian podcasts about his friendship with the German racing legendCredit: AP More

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      Golfer and F1 Wag sizzles in bikini as fans laugh about her ‘putting her man to work’ on Thailand holiday

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      LILY MUNI HE has sent fans wild as she stripped down to a revealing bikini.The 24-year-old is a professional golfer and is currently dating F1 star Alex Albon.
      Lily Muni He sizzled in a red bikiniCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      The Chinese golfer competes in the LPGA TourCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      The beauty dazzled as she soaked up the sun in ThailandCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      Fans joked she put boyfriend Alex Albon ‘to work’Credit: Instagram @lilymhe
      Lily, who competes on the LPGA Tour, wowed her 766,000 followers on Instagram as she showed off her figure while on holiday in Thailand.
      The beauty soaked up the sun in her boyfriend’s homeland and dazzled in a range of colourful bikinis.
      Fans were left in awe, one said: “You’re stunning.”
      Another added: “OMG, gorgeous.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      But many of her followers were left distracted by a hilarious photo of Albon.
      The Williams driver got an unexpected workout as he carried the couple’s six bags of luggage up some steep steps.
      Many laughed at the struggling Albon, saying: “Alex as your hotel servant is so funny for some reason.”
      A second commented: “Putting that man to work.”
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      More joked: “Off season training with those bags.”
      Lily and Albon began dating in 2019.
      Lily and Albon have dated for four yearsCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      Lily is an avid traveller and is often seen around the paddockCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      The golfer has 776,000 followers onlineCredit: Instagram @lilymhe
      Lily has been called ‘gorgeous’ by adoring fansCredit: Instagram @lilymhe More

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      Inside ‘hour by hour’ fight to save Michael Schumacher’s life 10 years ago as docs lowered body temp & operated on brain

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Michael Schumacher was left fighting for his life a decade ago today after a tragic skiing accident that caused major brain injuriesCredit: AFP
      The F1 icon was airlifted to a specialised hospital in Grenoble and taken straight to intensive care for life saving treatmentCredit: Reuters
      In the 10 years since the horror accident Michael’s family have kept as much as possible secret from the outside worldCredit: EPA
      The spot in the French Alps ski resort of Meribel where Schumacher took a fall and hit his head on a boulderCredit: AFP
      Yesterday in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      The racing legend’s health reportedly deteriorated fast as he was being carried away and is thought to have lost consciousness before being intubated to keep him breathing.
      READ MORE ON SCHUMACHER
      After he was wheeled into the intensive care unit, Professor Jean-Francois Payen said it was a case of working “hour by hour” as the team took three key measures to save the then 44-year-old’s life.
      The racing icon was put into a medically induced coma to reduce the inflammation around his brain and allow for him to be operated on.
      Doctors lowered his body temperature to 34-35C when he was in the coma, slowing his metabolism down.
      He then underwent two operations to remove blood clots and save his life by releasing pressure built up in his head.
      Most read in Motorsport
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      A senior German journalist was even reported as saying: “The family has been told that only a miracle can bring him back now.”
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.
      The doctor made it clear that any and all details of Schumacher’s treatment would remain “secret” for medical confidentiality.
      It’s reported Schumacher has received medical care costing as much as £115,000-a-week as his family, friends and pals all hope he can continue to recover from his horror ski crash.
      He is also being looked after by an expert team of 15 doctors and a team of masseurs with his loving wife Corinna by his side.
      Schumacher hasn’t been seen since the accident or even heard from.
      However in April 2023, a German magazine ran a tasteless AI-generated “interview” with the stricken driver pretending to speak with him.
      Die Aktuelle’s front cover showed a photo of him smiling, with a headline promising: “Michael Schumacher, the first interview”.
      But in fact the chat was written with an artificial intelligence tool and the family threatened legal action leading to Die Aktuelle’s editor being sacked.
      Since the accident, German author and journalist Jens Gideon has been probing the horrific accident and gave two potential reasons as to why the crash happened and had such dire consequences.
      The first was the lack of snow on the ground, which meant it was extra dangerous to ski as the rocks were exposed.
      And the second was because Schumacher was conscious after the initial fall so first responders didn’t realise just how serious his condition was rapidly worsening.
      Read more on The Sun
      A local ski instructor who saw the crash said Schumacher seemed responsive after the accident so was taken to a hospital in Moutiers.
      When the helicopter eventually landed it was immediately decided that it should take off again and fly to the bigger, more specialised hospital in Grenoble as his was clearly in danger of losing his life.
      Michael’s wife Corinna is part of an inner circle of family and close friends who are the only people allowed to see MichaelCredit: Rex Features

      The Schumacher family were reportedly told that only a miracle would bring Michael back as his brain injuries were so severeCredit: Netflix More