Michael Schumacher's family forced to deny rumour about F1 icon's condition as he 'makes public appearance'
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Michael Schumacher reportedly attended his daughter's wedding over the weekend, leading to renewed speculation about his health.
But one rumour the family have debunked concerns comments made by Elisabetta Gregoraci, the ex-wife of the F1 icon's former boss Flavio Briatore.
Back in 2020, Gregoraci claimed that Schumacher 'communicated with his eyes' following his tragic skiing accident in 2013.
"Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes," she said while appearing on the Italian version of Big Brother.
"They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.
"Only three people can visit him and I know who they are."
According to the Daily Mail, however, her claims were 'widely refuted' by Schumacher's family - as well as his manager and various 'other sources'.
The truth is, nearly 11 years on from his tragic accident in the French Alps, nobody really knows what condition the 55-year-old is in.
Schumacher jetted out to France in 2013 for a family holiday, having retired from F1 for a second time earlier in the year.
He was fortunate to emerge from his career having suffered minimal injuries. Indeed, wife Corinna Schumacher has previously suggested she felt like guardian angels were watching over her husband at times.
But Schumacher's world changed in 2013 when he tragically veered off course and hit his head on a rock.
Though he was wearing a helmet, his skull fracture was severe. The F1 legend was reportedly conscious in the immediate aftermath but, after struggling to speak, was then airlifted to hospital.
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With Schumacher reportedly attending his daughter's wedding, there are renewed hopes that he could yet be sighted again.
However, it would be unwise to bank on that happening with the family rightfully prioritising his privacy and well-being.
They have, for 11 long years, often kept their cards close to their chest when quizzed on Schumacher and his condition.
Corinna previously said the family owed it to 'protect' the German given how he 'protected them' during his time in motorsport.
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With Mick Schumacher rumoured to be engaged, it's possible Schumacher will make a second 'public' appearance in the future.
However, like with Gina-Maria's wedding, the family will likely do their utmost to ensure he continues to live away from the public eye.
The F1 world misses Schumacher, a man whose name transcends the sport.
What details emerge in the coming days, weeks, months and years remain to be seen.