A rare insight into Michael Schumacher’s condition has been given by his former boss, 12 years after his life-changing skiing accident.
The seven-time world champion has not been seen publicly since 2013, his former manager at Benetton Flavio Briatore has revealed he speaks with Schumacher’s family often.
Briatore, 75, appeared to confirm to an Italian newspaper that the ex-Ferrari champion is bed-bound, amid scarce details of his condition due to his wife Corinna’s commitment to keeping his life private.
"If I close my eyes," he told Corriere della Sera, "I see him smiling after a victory".
Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore worked together at BenettonGETTY"I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though."
Briatore’s updates come after a claim from his ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, who said: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.
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"Only three people can visit him and I know who they are."
Claims that Schumacher can no longer speak seemed to be echoed by his son Mick in a 2021 documentary about his father and his life:
"I think dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now."
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Michael Schumacher married wife Corinna back in 1995GETTYThe 26-year-old made it to F1 like his father, but unfortunately, Michael was not able to see any of his races in person due to his condition.
In the Netflix documentary, Corrina gave an update on her husband’s condition, revealing that Schumacher is still undergoing rehabilitation and is “different, but here” following his life-changing injuries.
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In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from his wife.
The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.
Johnny Herbert was teammates with Schumacher at Benetton between 1994 and 1995, he described seeing the signature as “emotional.”
Michael Schumacher and Johnny Herbert used to be team-matesGETTYHe told FastSlots: "It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.
"We haven't seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it's a sign.
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