More than twelve years have elapsed since Michael Schumacher's life was irrevocably altered by a devastating skiing accident in the French Alps.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion struck his head against a rock whilst skiing off-piste on 29 December 2013, merely a year following his second retirement from the sport.
Richard Hopkins, a former F1 mechanic and logistics manager who spent years working alongside the German racing legend, has spoken about the enduring impact of that fateful day.
Hopkins, who enjoyed regular coffee meetings with Schumacher during their time together in the paddock, described the accident as "such a significant moment in the world of motorsport."
Michael Schumacher suffered a life-changing injury during a skiing holiday 13 years ago
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"It's amazing that it was that long ago," he told the Express.
The former mechanic reflected on how the passage of time since that tragic incident remains difficult to comprehend for those who knew Schumacher personally, as well as the countless fans who cheered him on from afar.
"The Keep Fighting Michael campaign is still alive," Hopkins noted. "Obviously, as time goes on, there are fewer and fewer people, and it sort of dilutes a little bit. But everybody keeps thinking about him."
He emphasised that the racing icon remains impossible to forget, with tributes and remembrances occurring throughout the year rather than solely on significant anniversaries.
"You can never forget the guy," Hopkins added. "He was such a machine, such a master of his class."
Michael Schumacher's privacy is fiercely guarded | GETTYThe campaign continues to unite supporters worldwide in honouring Schumacher's extraordinary achievements.
Despite his longstanding relationship with the racing champion, Hopkins finds himself among those excluded from the tight-knit group permitted to visit Schumacher at his Lake Geneva residence.
"I think all of us, and it's just human nature, want to know. We would love to know," he acknowledged. "But I guess for some people, and me included, not knowing is okay as well."
The former colleague admitted the situation remains somewhat frustrating, though he has accepted he may never learn the full details of his old friend's condition.
"Of course it's a little bit frustrating that we're kept in the dark," Hopkins said. "But I don't think we're that in the dark. I think our own assumptions are fairly accurate about where he's at right now."
He suggested the family's reluctance to share information likely reflects the reality of Schumacher's circumstances.
The Schumacher family has faced exploitation attempts from those seeking to profit from their private tragedy.
Michael Schumacher's wife Corinna has had to contend with constant questions about her husband over the years | GETTYEarlier this year, three individuals were convicted for their involvement in a £12 million blackmail scheme after obtaining approximately 900 photographs and 600 videos of Schumacher, his wife Corinna, and their two children.
Despite the successful prosecution, Corinna remains concerned that the stolen images could still be circulating following what constituted a "massive breach of trust."
Hopkins, however, takes a philosophical view of the continued public fascination with the stricken champion.
"This is the world we're living in... Those bad actors will always be around," he observed. "It's about how we keep a straight bat and power on through."
He believes the enduring interest ultimately serves to preserve Schumacher's remarkable legacy in the public consciousness.