F1 fans unlikely to get their wish with new Michael Schumacher documentary

German broadcaster ARD are releasing the five-part Schumacher documentary next month.

But instead of going into detail about how the stricken star is today, it will instead focus on his early years in the sport.

The series will explore how Schumacher rose from a go-karting star to one of the best drivers in Formula One history.

And that will be the main focus, instead of providing an update on the Schumacher of 2023.

Another reason fans shouldn't expect substantial news is because Schumacher's family prefer to keep updates private.

They have long insisted it is in the best interests of the former Ferrari ace to keep details under wraps.

There remains a huge fascination with Schumacher, nearly a decade after his tragic accident in the French Alps.

But the German's family would prefer fans to remember him at the peak of his powers.

Schumacher's brother, Ralf, recently said they had learned to 'accept' the condition of the F1 legend.

“Sometimes life isn’t fair, unfortunately. We have to accept it,” Ralf said.

“When I see his [Michael’s] kids, Gina-Maria and Mick, my heart smiles.

"If anyone in the family seeks my advice, I’m there. They’re making their way.”

Schumacher family lawyer Felix Damm, meanwhile, also recently shed light on why fans were kept in the dark.

"It was always about protecting private life," he said when asked about a lack of final report on the German.

"Of course, we talked about how we could do this.

"We also considered publishing a final report on Michael's health.

"However, that would not have been the final one because then people would have wanted updates again anyway.

"Those concerned cannot control the media.

"The media can pick up the report again and ask again how things stand now, a few months after the report."

He added: "Of course, but I also believe that the majority of fans can live with it (that little information is coming out) and also respect that the accident has triggered a number of issues where personal protection is necessary and will also be constantly monitored."

Schumacher's wife, Corinna, said in 2021 that the family will always protect the F1 icon's privacy.

"We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does," she said.

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"And we are getting on with our lives.

"'Private is private', as he always said.

"It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. "Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael."