Nearly 12 years after his devastating skiing accident, Michael Schumacher remains in complete isolation, with only three people permitted to visit him.
The seven-time Formula One champion communicates solely through his eyes, unable to speak, according to those close to the family.
Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, the team principal and technical director during Schumacher’s all-conquering years at Ferrari, have been named as two of three to have regular visitations.
And Gerhard Berger, once his long-term F1 rival, is understood to be the third, according to the Telegraph.
Michael Schumacher's privacy is fiercely guarded
GETTYA rare glimpse of connection emerged recently when the initials "MS" appeared on Sir Jackie Stewart's charity helmet, marking the first direct sign from Schumacher in years.
"A wonderful moment," said Johnny Herbert, Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate. "We haven't seen something emotional like this in years."
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The signature, guided by wife Corinna's hand, represents what Sir Jackie Stewart described as a message from the void - a precious affirmation of survival from an icon removed entirely from public view since December 2013.
Schumacher struck his head on a rock while skiing in Méribel in December 2013, suffering such severe brain trauma that he spent 250 days in a coma. Since then, he has made no public appearance whatsoever.
His wife Corinna maintains absolute privacy around his condition, creating what insiders describe as a "ring of steel" around the former champion. "Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael," she has stated.
The family's discretion is so complete that nobody can confirm with certainty where Schumacher is being treated.
Reports suggest he divides time between their Swiss home in Gland and a property in Majorca, though exact arrangements remain secret.
"'Private is private,' as he always said," Corinna explained in a rare 2021 Netflix documentary interview, her only public statement since the accident.
The family has faced multiple criminal attempts to exploit their tragedy. Earlier this year, three men were convicted in a £12.5 million blackmail plot involving stolen photos and medical records.
Yilmaz Tozturkan, a nightclub bouncer, received a three-year prison sentence after threatening to upload 1,500 pictures and videos of Schumacher on the dark web.
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Michael Schumacher has been protected by wife Corinna Schumacher ever since his skiing accident in 2013GETTY"I'm very sorry and ashamed for what I have done. It was a very disgusting thing," Tozturkan told the court.
The Schumachers' lawyer confirmed plans to appeal the "lenient" punishment, expressing concern about a missing hard drive containing sensitive material.
"We don't know where the missing hard drive is. So there is the possibility of another threat through the back door," he said.
Previous violations include a journalist attempting to enter Schumacher's hospital room disguised as a priest just days after the accident.
The toll on Corinna has been immense, with Eddie Jordan describing her situation as "horrific" before his death in March.
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Gerhard Berger is also understood to be one of only three Michael Schumacher visitors
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"Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that she's like a prisoner, because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn't need reminding of it every minute," he said.
The family continues battling constant intrusion attempts, from AI-generated fake interviews to fabricated wedding attendance reports.
At daughter Gina's October wedding, guests had phones confiscated to prevent image leaks.
The helmet signature remains profoundly symbolic - proof that Schumacher, now 56, can still communicate through touch.
It represents perhaps the final public connection to a champion whose private anguish continues behind carefully guarded walls.
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