Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      How Michael Schumacher’s ‘best friend’ was cut out of his life after ski crash & has ‘no hope’ of seeing him again

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s ex-manager and former close pal has been left shut out from the Formula One legend’s life ever since his horror ski crash.Willi Weber is often credited with discovering a young Schumacher and kick-starting his iconic career but he now admits he fears he’ll never be able to see Michael again.F1 icon Michael Schumacher with his former manager Willi Weber in 2003Credit: AlamyWeber says he has ‘no hope’ of seeing his old pal again over a decade on from his ski accidentCredit: GettyWeber is often credited with discovering a young Schumacher and kick-starting his iconic careerCredit: GettySchumacher, 54, considered by many as the greatest driver in F1 history, hasn’t been seen in public since a devastating skiing accident in 2013.Ever since, any information about the state of his health has been a closely-guarded secret.His long-term wife Corinna has even created a so called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Weber was one of those excluded from Corinna’s handpicked pals with him being barred from knowing how his old friend is doing.read more in SchumacherCorinna has been forced to create the private group to avoid rumours spreading or any private information leaking out.Weber, 82, revealed he has received “no positive news” for the last 10 years.Michael was one of my best friends, more like a son that I never had. Nobody knows exactly what’s going on with him todayWilli WeberTelling Cologne Express: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have anymore hope that I will see him again.”He also recalled how gutted he felt about not being able to see Schumacher in the months following the accident.Most read in Motorsport”Of course, I regret that very much and blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I mourned like a dog after his accident,” he said.Last month, Weber spoke to German newspaper Bild about his relationship with Schumacher.He said: “Michael was one of my best friends, more like a son that I never had. Nobody knows exactly what’s going on with him today.”I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rivalWeber has been pushed further away from ever seeing Schumacher after he was critical in the press about the family.He accused them of not being honest to the public about the Schumacher’s condition.Weber said: “I find it very unfortunate that Michael’s fans do not know about his health. Why are they not being told the truth?”His remarks continued in July 2022, where Weber once again made headlines by demanding the Schumacher family come out with the truth about his health.He said he was still “angry” that he had not been kept informed once since the F1 legend’s ski accident.He told Italian sports publication La Gazetta dello Sport: “I tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna and she didn’t answer.”They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late. It’s been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is.”Michael with his wife Corinna who has controlled the inner circle since his horror accidentCredit: GettySchumacher’s life and health has been a closely guarded secret since his ski crash in 2013Credit: PA:Press AssociationWeber has been critical of Michael’s family in the years since his accidentCredit: AlamyWeber considered himself a close friend of the family after managing both Michael and his brother Ralf when they first entered the Motorsport scene.Despite these close ties Weber wasn’t one of the extended family and friends invited to the wedding of Michael’s daughter Gina, 27, earlier this year.Michael is believed to have appeared for the first time among people outside of inner circle at the ceremony in Spain.Gina and Iain Bethke tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has never been confirmed by the family but reports claim he was at the event.All guests were told to leave their mobile phones at the door with no media allowed near to the villa.Speaking on the wedding Weber told Bild: “I wasn’t invited, but I wouldn’t have attended the wedding even if I had been invited. “My health isn’t good at the moment. I wouldn’t have wanted to fly to Mallorca.”THE INNER CIRCLESince 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.The pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Michael’s close family such as his son Mick and daughter Gina are also inside the circle along with their partners Iain Bethke and Mick’s fiance Laila Hasanovic.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna has also been forced to make the tough decision and cut certain people out of Michael’s life in recent years.Some of these people include Weber, ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.What happened to Michael Schumacher?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.Back 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.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.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.Schumacher poses with his wife Corinna on a ski-slopeCredit: AlamyMichael’s daughter Gina got married to Iain Bethke earlier this with the F1 legend rumoured to have attendedCredit: Babiradpicture/Shutterstock More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Meet Michael Schumacher’s wife Corrina who F1 legend shares kids Gina and Mick with

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher is a Formula One great and seven-time World Champion.The racing legend has been surrounded by his close-knit family throughout his glittering career and in the years following the tragic skiing accident he suffered in 2013 — here we get to know his wife Corrina and their kids. Corinna has been by Michael Schumacher’s side since 1991Who is Corinna Schumacher?Born Corinna Betsch in Halver in the former West Germany on March 2, 1969, Michael’s wife is also a sporting champion.She won the European Western-style Horse Riding Championship in 2010.In 2013, Michael told a German TV channel that he and his wife had never had a serious fight.He said: “It’s because we share the same values. During all the time I was racing she was my guardian angel.”Michael and Corrina’s weddingThe couple met in 1991 through a mutual friend.They married in August 1995 in Germany and the couple live in Switzerland.In the 2021 Netflix documentary Schumacher, Corrine said of her husband: “At parties, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave.“He loved it… We laughed so much and had so much real fun.MOST READ IN SPORT“We all ended up in the pool every time, that was Michael’s thing. Even at our wedding people were thrown into the pool!Corrine and Michael own horse ranches in Texas and Switzerland — the latter was gifted to her by Michael on their 10th wedding anniversary and is located in Givrins.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateHorrific accidentSince Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, Corinna has been fiercely protective of her husband’s privacy.She spearheads his round-the-clock care at their family home on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.Corinna has allowed only a select few close friends and relatives to visit Michael, maintaining strict conditions for these visits.The F1 legend was put in a medically induced coma after a fall in the French Alps in December 2013.How many children do they have?Michael and Corrina have two kids together.Corinna gave birth to their first child, Gina-Maria, in 1997 with Mick following two years later.Gina-Marie Gina-Maria with her husband Iain BethkeGina-Maria is Michael and Corinna’s eldest child, born on February 20, 1997.Like her mother before her, Gina-Maria is a successful equestrian.The 27-year-old has made a name for herself in the world of competitive horse riding, particularly in Western riding disciplines.Her competitive highlights include:August 2024: Won the Non Pro Championship at The Run For A Million in Gordonville, Texas, riding All Right Magnum with a score of 222.April 2024: Captured back-to-back NRBC Non Pro Classic Championships, winning on Gunin Addy Tude.2023: Secured the NRBC Non Pro Championship on Gunnastepya.2021: Earned the Reserve Championship at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity.2018: Achieved a gold medal at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli event.2018: Topped the World Championships for junior riders.2017: Won the FEI World Reining Championships held in Switzerland.In September 2024, Gina-Maria tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke on the sun-soaked Spanish island of Majorca at the luxury abode Corinna is understood to have bought in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.She posted a snap to her Instagram showing her and Iain cuddling up, along with the words: “Forever yes to you, yes to forever.”Among the guest list was Corrina, Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.It’s unclear whether Michael attended either event.Mick Mick followed in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in motorsportCredit: GettyMick, born on March 22, 1999, is Michael and Corinna’s youngest child and only son.Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Mick pursued a career in motorsport.He competed in Formula One for the Haas F1 Team during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.However, he lost his seat for the 2023 season and currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Mick started out in karting but then went on to win the Formula 2 Championship in 2020, which saw him earn his seat in Formula One a season later.On August 9, 2018, Mick shared memories of his dad after snapping up his first victory in European Formula 3 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – his dad’s favourite track. Mick and Corrina pictured together in 2017Credit: Splash NewsSpeaking about his victory with Mobil 1 The Grid, the young racer said the track brought back happy memories as it was labelled “the living room of my dad”.And before his first race with Haas in Bahrain, Mick told ESPN: “I had the best teacher and I’m happy to have made it all the way now.”I’m happy to be here.”In the Netflix documentary about his father, Mick touchingly said how he would “give up everything” to chat with his dad about their shared motorsport success.He said: “Since the accident, of course, these experiences, these moments that I believe many people have with their parents, are no longer present or to a lesser extent.”And in my view, that is a little unfair. Michael and Corrina pictured after he competed in his 200th Grand Prix in Spain on May 9, 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty”I think me and dad, we would understand each other in a different way now.”Simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motor sport – and that we would have a lot more to talk about.”And that is where my head is most of the time.”Thinking that would be so cool … I would give up everything just for that.”In an interview with the Independent in March 2022, Mick addressed the perceived burden of being Michael’s son.He said: “I don’t feel that pressure because I don’t pay attention to it, I just blend it out.“I can create my own legacy while still looking back at what my dad did.”It’s nice for me to be able to remind people of what my dad did and at the same time show what I can do.” Michael and Corrine celebrating him winning the 2000 F1 World ChampionshipCredit: GettyWhat Corinna has said about Michael ‘s healthOn the Netflix documentary Corinna spoke about Michael’s condition and how he is living at home with his family.She said: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength, I find.”We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy.”We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable.”And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.”And no matter what, i will do everything I can. We all will. Michael and Corinna having a laugh on the Italian Alps in January 2000Credit: AP:Associated Press”We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael like it and still does.”And we are getting on with our lives.”Corinna admitted that during the accidents, she was “certain he had a few guardian angels that were keeping an eye out for him”.She continued: “I don’t know if it’s just a kind of protective wall that you put up yourself or if it’s because you’re in a way naive but it simply never occurred to me that anything could ever happen to Michael.”I never blamed God for what happened.”It was just really bad luck, all the bad luck anyone can have in life.”It’s always terrible when you say, ‘Why is this happening to Michael or us?'”But then why does it happen to other people?”Of course, I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him.”The children, the family, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 race axed: FIA confirm scheduled event will not go ahead despite ‘widespread support’ amid workload fears

      by

      FORMULA 1 chiefs have axed the “rookie race” that had been set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this year.Bosses had planned to stage a sprint-style race in a bid to give the most talented up-and-coming drivers a stage on which to showcase their talents.Abu Dhabi had been set to stage the new eventCredit: GettyAbu Dhabi, which is set to host the final race of the F1 season on December 7, had been identified as the location.FIA chiefs claim that there is “widespread support” for such an event to take place in future.But plans for it to go ahead later this year have been scrapped, with the FIA confirming their decision in an official statement.It read: “While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that, due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions would continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”READ MORE IN SPORTAccording to the BBC, a final decision was made at a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday.Their report adds that it was determined that more time is required in order to fine tune how the event will run.It’s claimed that all parties, including the teams themselves, felt that the plan had been “rushed”.One such concern was the further work load it would place upon team members.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe event would have taken place after the final F1 race of the season, therefore extending what will already have been the longest campaign in the history of the sport.Formula 1 is currently in the middle of a four-week break following the Singapore Grand Prix, which took place on September 22.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing The next race is set to be staged in Austin, Texas on October 20.This will then lead into a busy conclusion to the season, with remaining Grands Prix in Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Max Verstappen leads the driver standings, despite having not won a race since June.He is 52 points ahead of nearest challenger Lando Norris.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Major change to F1 from next season as bosses sign incredible ten-year deal worth $1BILLION

      by

      FORMULA ONE bosses have penned a $1BILLION deal that will see a major change to podium proceedings.F1 chiefs have put pen to paper on a £750m with French company LVHM – known in full as LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton SE.Forumla One has penned a £750m sponsorship deal with LVMH that could make a major change to podiums from 2025 onwardsCredit: RexThe sponsorship deal, which is the most lucrative in the sports’ history, was reportedly agreed after months of negotiations by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and members of the luxury goods company.LVMH, valued at over £375BILLION, are best known as the owners of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co and Givenchy.While they are also the owners of champagne brand Moet & Chandon, leading to reports that champagne could be returning to the F1 podiums for the first time since 2021.Drivers have been spraying Italian sparking wine to toast their successes for the past three years thanks to an association with Italian wine makers Ferrari Trentino.READ MORE ON F1But their new deal with LVHM, which is due to begin in 2025, is set to put Champagne back in the hands of race winners going forward.Of course, champagne will not be used in the Middle Eastern races – where alcohol is banned – with rose water expected to continue as its replacement.LVHM are also the owners of a number of other well known champagne brands including Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Mercier.The Mail report that the deal has been in the making for over a year.Most read in MotorsportChampagne could be returning to the hands of race winnersCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile it’s also claimed that teams are “delighted” by the news, with one team principal citing a potential growth in prize money.F1’s value continues to rise with the profile of the sport growing in recent years since the release of Netflix documentary Drive to Survive. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’In a statement about the partnership with LVMH, Domenicali said: “Our sport is founded on the relentless pursuit of excellence, a value that also lies at the heart of LVMH, so I am delighted to announce this historic partnership will begin in 2025.”As Formula 1 continues its global growth, attracting new and more diverse audiences, the strength and breadth of LVMH makes it the perfect partner for us to work with as we look to continually enhance the experience of our fans and the heritage of our incredible sport. “This is a landmark partnership for both companies, and I would like to thank Bernard and Frédéric Arnault for their vision and commitment to bring this to life.”F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has opened up on the agreementCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner snaps back at Max Verstappen’s dad Jos in row over Red Bull’s high-profile exits

      by

      CHRISTIAN HORNER has snapped back at Jos Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull’s high–profile departures.The Red Bull chief’s arch-nemesis and dad of Max Verstappen recently said he had warned the team about staff exits.Christian Horner says the departures are just a few people ‘out of 2000’Credit: GettyJos Verstappen delivered a fierce blast at Horner earlier in the yearCredit: GettyAt the start of the season Jos said that the team would “explode” if Horner remained in charge after news broke of his sexting scandal with a colleague.He was cleared by Red Bull and always denied the claims.Since then design guru Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and strategy chief Will Courtenay have all departed.Horner said: “Adrian has been on the brink of retiring for 10 years so we had to be prepared for that and I believe we’ve got strength and depth.READ MORE TOP STORIES“He’s chosen to continue and continue elsewhere. And of course, Jonathan, likewise, a long-term member, but they’re two more higher-profile names.“The reality is that’s just two people out of 2000 people that we have within the group.”Red Bull toasted the most dominant F1 season ever last year with a record 21 out of 22 races won.But they are currently on a eight-race winless streak, their worst run of form since 2020.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcLaren have now overtaken Red Bull at the top of the constructors’ standings while Lando Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left.Horner is feeling the heat from the team’s mass exodus, and has also aimed a dig at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.The Red Bull chief said his team had poached “over 200 staff” from Mercedes.He added: “We’ve recruited, I think, close to 250 people during the last 12 months, across the project, into powertrains, into the brand new engine shop that we’re building.“We don’t talk about the over 200 people we’ve bought from Mercedes.“There’s a lot of focus on the two people that are leaving, because they’re slightly more public facing.”Back in May, Horner also clapped back at McLaren chief Zak Brown who told the media he had seen a stream of CV’s from Red Bull landing on his desk after the news of Newey’s departure.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I don’t know how many people we or RB have employed from McLaren this year,“We have taken 220 people out of [Mercedes] HPP into Red Bull Powertrains. So, when we are talking about losing people, I would be a bit more worried about the 220 than maybe one or two CVs.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher future daughter-in-law is one of very few with access to stricken legend’s secretive inner circle

      by

      THE future daughter-in-law of Formula One icon Michael Schumacher is among the few people allowed inside the families secretive inner circle. Mick Schumacher got engaged to long-term partner and Danish model Laila Hasanovic, 23, over the weekend with hopes growing that Michael may be able to attend the ceremony.Mick Schumacher with his fiance Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramThe couple recently got engaged with Laila said to be already allowed inside the Schumacher inner circleCredit: GettyMichael Schumacher hasn’t been seen or heard from in over a decade since he was badly injured in a ski accident with MickCredit: EPAIt comes after Laila was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumacher’s to see Michael, 55, earlier this year.Only a handful of people have been allowed to know the latest on the former Ferrari, Mercedes and Benetton legend since his tragic ski crash over a decade ago.Michael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Very little has been made public on Michael’s health status since the accident with his loving wife Corinna choosing to keep his life private.read more in SchumacherBut Laila has proven herself as a trusted member of Corinna’s exclusive inner circle since becoming loved up with Mick over two years ago.The lovers regularly share cute photos to their millions of followers on social media with Laila announcing their engagement via her Instagram. The lingerie model comes from Copenhagen and has Bosnian roots.She was first seen by Schumacher’s side at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportSince then the former Miss Denmark finalist and Mick have gone from strength to strength with her regularly being included in family events.The family are said to be “smitten” with the model, according to German newspaper Bild.I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rivalThey also say she is the only girlfriend of Mick’s who has ever seen Michael.Laila has even paid tribute to Michael on social media in the past with a touching tribute. In March she posted a series of photos to her 300,000 Instagram followers showing off her handbag and room.In one of the snaps her AirPod case can be seen with the iconic number 47 logo emblazoned on it.Fans of Michael quickly spotted the 47 which is still seen as synonymous with the driver as he drove under that number.THE INNER CIRCLESince 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.The pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally.Laila is a model from Denmark with Bosnian rootsCredit: InstagramMichael with his wife Corinna who has controlled the inner circle since his horror accidentCredit: Getty Images – GettyCorinna has also been forced to make the tough decision and cut certain people out of Michael’s life in recent years.Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.Weber once made sensational claims that “we have only heard lies” from the distraught family.It comes after Michael appeared for the first time among people outside of inner circle earlier this year.The seven-time F1 champion is said to have attended the marriage of his daughter Gina, 27, to Iain Bethke, in a private ceremony in Spain.The pair tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has never been confirmed by the family but reports claim he was at the event.All guests were told to leave their mobile phones at the door with no media allowed near to the villa.MICHAEL’S TRAGIC ACCIDENTThe retired seven-times world champion, and his then 14-year-old son Mick set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel in December 2013.The pair were skiing down the mountain when tragedy struck for Michael.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He was not travelling at excessive speed when the freak accident happened.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two.Michael was quickly airlifted to hospital where he underwent two life-saving operations.Doctors later said the headgear is the only reason he’s still alive.Michael was then placed in a medically induced coma to try to reduce the swelling and in the decade since the F1 superstar has never been seen in public and health updates have been very rare.Mick has found the years since incredibly tough, according to former driver Johnny Herbert.Herbert said: “Mick has said he could always talk to Michael about racing before the accident. That is one of the saddest things for any sportsman.”It would have been a very important part of his development at that time. But Mick never had that unfortunately. He just had that relationship up until the skiing accident.”READ MORE SUN STORIESStricken Schumacher has spent much of his time since at the £27million Majorcan villa.It is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide the perfect care.What happened to Michael Schumacher?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.Back 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.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.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.Michael’s daughter Gina got married to Iain Bethke earlier this with the F1 legend rumoured to have attendedCredit: Babiradpicture/Shutterstock More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Major sporting event returning to UK for first time in six years as fans vow to buy tickets ‘as soon as they come out’

      by

      A MAJOR sporting event is set to return to the UK for the first time in six years – and fans are over the moon.Iconic track Silverstone will host the penultimate race of the 2025 European Le Mans Series.The European Le Mans Series will return to Silverstone next yearCredit: GettyIt is the first time in six years the race will be held in the UKCredit: GettyThere will be six races in six countries in the 2025 editionCredit: GettyIt replaces the event previously held in Mugello, and will take place on September 14 before the season finale the following month.A four-hour race will be held – the same duration as the other five races in the calendar – Barcelona, Le Castellet, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps and Portimao.Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “Once again the European Le Mans Series calendar features a selection of circuit, each with a variety of challenges to test both the car and the driver.“The ACO is extremely pleased to see the ELMS returning to the UK for the first time since 2019, giving the British fans a taste of Le Mans at home at Silverstone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The ELMS has firmly established itself as the leading European endurance series. With grids of over 40 cars, featuring a great mix of Le Mans Prototypes and GTs, and some of the top drivers and teams from around the world. “It looks like the 2025 season is going to deliver even more.”Fans are delighted by the change, which sees the European Le Mans Series return to the UK for the first time since 2019.One reacted saying: “100 per cent will be there, getting tickets as soon as they come out.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Really excited for this!!!”And a third wrote: “A fantastic day for UK sportscar racing fans today and hopefully maybe the WEC will return to Silverstone in the UK in the very near future also too!👏”Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s question More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Hopes for Michael Schumacher as he ‘could attend son Mick’s wedding’ amid rumours he appeared at daughter Gina’s

      by

      HOPES are growing for Michael Schumacher as it’s speculated he could attend his son’s wedding following rumours he appeared at his daughter’s nuptials.The seven-time F1 champion is said to have attended the marriage of his daughter Gina, 27, to Iain Bethke, in a private ceremony.Michael Schumacher, seen here in July 2006, reportedly attended his daughter Gina’s weddingCredit: GettyGina and Iain went public with their relationship in 2017Credit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockGina with her then boyfriend Iain BethkeThe pair tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has not been confirmed by his family.Stricken Schumacher has reportedly spent much of his time at the £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care.The F1 star, now 55, suffered life-changing injuries after a serious skiing accident in Grenbole in December 2013.Read More on SchumacherHe spent months in a medically induced coma and eventually returned to his home at Lake Geneva in Switzerland in September 2014.He has since been cared for by his wife Corinna and a team of medical experts.In September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.Most read in MotorsportHis family has opted not to give any details on his condition.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Reports in the Spanish press though have claimed Schumacher attended his daughter’s private ceremony.Majorcan news outlet Ultima Hora said the service lasted around half an hour.It’s said to have been followed by a banquet and party, including a performance by a country music band.Among the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.Guests were instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door.No media were given permission to attend.Gina did take to social media to post a picture of the newlyweds once the ceremony was over.Along with the photo, she wrote: “Forever yes to you, yes forever.”MICK NOW ENGAGEDNow, speculation has started that Schumacher could be set to attend the wedding celebrations of his son Mick Schumacher after he got engaged at the weekend to his long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic.The lingerie model shared a photo of a ring on her finger on her Instagram account, writing: “Then it’s game over.”Schumacher Jr though has yet to post about the engagement on his social media sites.Father and son were skiing together in the French Alps when Michael suffered his horror crash.However it was only in March 2017 that Mick talked openly about his dad’s influence and referred to his father as an “idol” and “role model”.Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.She said “I miss Michael every day.“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”Mick Schumacher has now got engaged to his girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: RexSchumacher suffered a tragic skiing accidentCredit: AFP More