Michael Schumacher's situation appears sadder than ever after latest update on F1 icon

Heartbreakingly, at one point, it looked as though Schumacher wouldn't survive. Though wearing a helmet, he had collided at full force after veering off course. The F1 community, and wider world, anxiously waited.

Schumacher was eventually placed into a medically-induced coma and ended up surviving. He has, however, lived a life shrouded in secrecy ever since with only a handful of people allowed to visit him.

All these years on, however, it's looking increasingly bleak. His inner circle have provided only brief glimpses into his life away from the spotlight, with Schumacher cared for by his loved ones. His wife, Corinna, continues to provide him with much-needed care, attention and support.

Earlier this month, there was a rare update on the stricken hero. Former Red Bull operations chief Richard Hopkins, who struck up a good rapport with Schumacher in the F1 paddock, painted an extremely bleak picture.

“I don't think we'll see Michael again," he said.

In many ways, this is no surprise. The Schumacher's have always insisted that, because he shielded them during his racing career, he deserves the same treatment now.

While millions of fans want to know how he's doing, it's not the way the family will ever do things. His right to privacy has to be respected, no matter what. Any individual who crosses that line will, rightfully, face the full force of their wrath.

Earlier this year, three men were convicted for a foiled blackmail plot against the Schumacher family. The individuals in question demanded a staggering €15million (£12m), to prevent the release of private photographs and medical records on the dark web.

The main ringleader, Yilmaz Tozturkan, received a sentence of three years in prison after making calls and sending emails to the Schumacher clan. One accomplice received a six-month suspended sentence, while a third man was given a two-year suspended sentence. The Schumacher family believe this judgement, in particular, was far too lenient.

Hopkins, who has many contacts within the sport, said news on Schumacher has gone completely silent.

He told SPORTbible: "I haven't heard anything recently. I understand [Schumacher] has a Finnish doctor, a personal doctor."

Ross Brawn is one person who has access to Schumacher. He has often avoided answering questions on his close friend.

And Hopkins believes there's no chance he'll ever real the true extent of the person that Schumacher is now.

He added: "Even if you plied Ross with a lot of good red wine, I don't think he would open up and share. I think there is that respect with anybody who goes to visit Michael, not to share anything.

"That's the way the family wants it to be. I think that's fair and respectful towards the family. Even if I did know, the family would be disappointed if I shared anyway."

Another Schumacher confidant is Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore.

The duo worked together within the sport and he also suggested that hope of the 56-year-old ever recovering is now well and truly lost.

"If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory," he said.

"I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though."

No matter what, Schumacher's name is etched within the very fabrics of the sport. However, given Hopkins' latest update, devoted fans shouldn't expect any more big insights into his condition.