Former F1 champion Michael Schumacher hasn’t been seen publicly since his devastating 2013 skiing accident, and now former Red Bull head of operations Richard Hopkins has shared his stark prediction about the German racing legend
Michael Schumacher(Image: Getty Images)
It’s been 12 years since the world last glimpsed Michael Schumacher, and a mate from his close-knit circle has delivered a heartbreaking forecast about the legendary racing driver’s future.
The Formula One legend endured a severe skiing mishap in December 2013, whilst enjoying the French Alps.
An accomplished skier, Schumacher tumbled and struck his head on a rock, causing a devastating brain trauma.
It’s understood that, without his helmet, he wouldn’t have made it through.
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Since then, information regarding the 56 year old’s state has remained strictly confidential, with only his closest associates granted access to visit him.
Even colleagues who stood beside Schumacher during his triumphant era have been left in the shadows, holding little optimism for any shift in circumstances moving forward.
During a recent chat with SPORTbible, former Red Bull head of operations Richard Hopkins provided an insight into the champion’s wellbeing and forecast that he’ll probably never be witnessed publicly again.
He said: “I haven’t heard anything recently. I understand he has a Finnish doctor, a personal doctor. I don’t think we’ll see Michael again. I’m slightly uncomfortable talking about his condition because of how secretive, for the right reasons, the family wants to keep it.
“So I can make a remark, have an opinion, but I’m not in that inner circle. I’m not Jean Todt, I’m not Ross Brawn, I’m not Gerhard Berger, who visit Michael. I’m a long way from that.”
Hopkins initially encountered the German world record holder during the early 1990s whilst working as a McLaren mechanic, with Schumacher then securing victories for Benetton.
Their bond flourished through casual coffee conversations throughout the racing paddock over the years.
When questioned about any knowledge regarding Schumacher’s condition, Hopkins elaborated: “I can’t say I’m best friends with Jean Todt, or Ross, or Gerhard. I think even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend, and you asked how well Michael was, and 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.”
From the very start of this devastating situation, Michael’s relatives made every effort to shield details of his medical state from public scrutiny, though occasional updates were provided.
During the initial period, it was verified that Michael was battling for survival whilst in a critical state.
No further announcement emerged until April 2014, when the family revealed that Michael had experienced ‘moments of consciousness and awakening’.
The subsequent summer brought confirmation that Michael had emerged from his coma and been transferred to a rehabilitation centre.
By September 2014, Michael had been returned to his family residence beside Lake Geneva, where his dedicated wife Corinna and a medical team provided round-the-clock care.
In the 2021 Netflix documentary SCHUMACHER, Corinna stressed the significance of safeguarding her husband’s privacy, saying: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
