What Happened to Michael Schumacher, the Formula 1 World Champion?

 

Photo credit: skysports.com

“Never think that success is down to your own performance alone. If you start listening only to yourself, you take the first step back towards the bottom. The flowers of victory belong in many vases”

Who Is Michael Schumacher?

Michael Schumacher is one of the most popular names in the Formula 1 Racing sport. The seven- time World Champion has broken several records before retiring in 2012. He held the world record of 91 wins, 68 pole positions and 155 pole positions, surpassing Ayrton Senna, the legendary driver.

After spending his teenage years karting, Schumacher started his Formula 1 career in 1991 at 22 years of age. He became lucky with his debut when the Jordon-Ford team driver, Bertand Gachot was arrested and had to drop out of the Belgian Grand Prix.

As a reserved driver, he had to prove his worth if he wanted to keep racing in the sport. During his debut, he made his presence felt on the track. He drove fearlessly against the F1 legends and had the fans chanting his name.

The German driver, since then has been known to push his car to the absolute limit and drive like he has nothing to lose. Not only was he a fast and skilful driver, but also a kind human being. He was respected by all the drivers for his fair play and sportsmanship.

Schumacher was portrayed as an arrogant driver since he had snubbed the media on several occasions. However, the sport and its fans recognised the real Michael Schumacher during his career at Ferrari. In the 1995 season, Ferrari faced a downfall when their car failed them in almost every race.

Schumacher would be the first one to be in the garage and the last to leave, even when it was not his job. He would talk to the mechanics, engineers and make sure every individual was aware about their importance to the team.  

He shared a personal relationship with all the 100+ members in the garage, which was unique for a driver on the grid.

Skiing Accident

In December, 2013, after Schumacher announced his retirement, the family went on a vacation to Meribel, France. Michael was fond of skiing and loved the mountains. He was descending the French Alps with his 14 year old son, Mick Schumacher, when he suffered a fatal crash.

On 29 December, 2013, the F1 fans were shocked to be informed about Schumacher’s accident. He hit his head on a rock which had led to severe loss of blood. His helmet was broken into two and he suffered a serious head injury.

Schumacher was immediately rushed to the hospital and two emergency surgeries were carried out. One of the surgeries was described as a ‘traumatic brain injury’ which put him into a medically induced coma.

After a patient six months, the F1 fans were given some good news that the World Champion had regained consciousness. In June 2014, he was moved to his home in Switzerland and was kept away from the media. Rumours were being spread that he was paralysed and on a wheelchair but no news was confirmed by the family.

Why Do We Know Little About Schumacher’s Health?

Michael Schumacher was one of the most loved drivers on and off track. His humility, respect and love towards people, won hearts worldwide. He liked to keep his private life within the walls and protect the privacy of his family.

He loved his wife, Corinna Schumacher, who supported him throughout his career and is currently trying her best to give her husband the best possible medical treatment. She admitted that all Michael wanted, was to live a normal life which is why the world knows so little about Schumacher’s health.

It is kept discrete from the world and guarded closely by Corinna and his immediate family. Corinna, in particular, takes the decisions of who is permitted to see the driver since the family does not want any information to be leaked in the media.

How Is Michael Schumacher Now?

Several rumours about his health are spread every now and then. Some reports have mentioned that Michael had shown emotion in 2018, others have said that another stem cell revival surgery was to be performed in 2020.

The family does not address any of these rumours, in the best interest of Michael. The few selected people who are allowed to visit him, have the same reply, “He is doing well and fighting to be with his family”

On September 15, 2021, a Netflix documentary, “Schumacher” was released, making F1 fans nostalgic about the World Champion. In the documentary, Corinna finally speaks about the accident after 8 years of silence.

She admits that Michael was hesitant about the snow at the Alps on that unfortunate day and he had suggested that they should fly to Dubai to go skydiving. She says, “Everybody misses Michael but he is here. Different- but he is here”

The ill-fated accident has been emotionally tough on the Schumacher family, but they go on with the hope that Michael will smile someday after hearing about his son, Mick, carrying on his legacy in Formula 1.

Schumacher has had a heavy influence on current F1 drivers too. Almost all the drivers on the current F1 grid see Schumacher as their role model. His fighting spirit, passion for the sport, love for equality and fair play is quintessential in defining success.

He was racing and winning against his own idols. Young Schumacher had a poster of Ayrton Senna on his wall, and a few years later he was winning races against him. If that is not enough to inspire a generation of dreamers, what is?

“I have always believed that you should not ever give up and you should always keep fighting even when there is only a slightest chance”

Our brave Champion, Michael Schumacher continues to live up to his words.

 

Written by Jerusha Patel