With Michael Schumacher reportedly attending his daughter’s wedding over the weekend, F1 fans have pined for their hero.
It has been nearly 11 years since the tragic skiing accident that changed his life forever, with Schumacher sadly suffering life-altering injuries after he crashed into a rock.
In the years since, updates have been few and far between.
Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the stricken star, has vowed to protect her husband – just as how he protected her during his many years in the public eye.
Michael Schumacher: F1 fans must accept that a return to the spotlight is highly unlikely after he ‘attended his daughter’s wedding’
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Reports have claimed Schumacher was among those in attendance as Gina-Maria tied the knot to long-term boyfriend Iain Bethke at a lavish ceremony in Spain.
But those hoping to catch a glimpse of the F1 icon following this rare ‘public’ appearance need to accept that they’re unlikely to ever be granted their wish.
It would be wrong to speculate too much on Schumacher’s condition. Nobody, barring a handful of people, really know what the 55-year-old is like today.
Yet while some have indicated that Schumacher attending his daughter’s big day could be a sign that his family are starting to lessen their stance on the F1 star, it’s hard to see that being the case.
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First of all, this was a wedding.
Given the magnitude of the event, and Schumacher’s close bond to his children, it was only natural that the family eased their stance.
Precautions were taken – with guests instructed to hand over mobile phones to avoid any potential leaks. No photographs, barring one uploaded by Gina herself, have been shared.
The only other public appearance he could make in the future is if his son, Mick Schumacher, also gets married. Rumours that he is engaged to girlfriend Laila Hasanovic have started to swirl, though nothing has been confirmed. It would be natural to assume that he would go to that ceremony as well.
Yet there is still no progress, it seems. Schumacher has lived a life away from the public eye ever since he suffered his catastrophic injuries in 2013. If there was any positive developments, people would know by now.
The family of the F1 icon know there is a clamour among fans to see, or hear, from the German again.
Yet comments made by those who know, or knew, him well indicate the family’s ring of steel around Schumacher will continue to stand strong.
Willi Weber, Schumacher’s old manager, said over the weekend that he doesn’t think he will ever see the F1 legend again.
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Michael Schumacher’s daughter, Gina-Maria, got married in Spain over the weekendGETTY
He also revealed he has said goodbye to Schumacher ‘in his heart’.
Felipe Massa, who is reportedly allowed to visit his old Ferrari team-mate on ‘sparce’ occasions, said last year: “I think if there was something [positive/ a solution], we would have known by now.”
And Roger Benoit, who used to smoke cigars with Schumacher during his prime years in Formula One, claimed in 2023 that he was a ‘case without hope’.
Michael Schumacher sustained serious injuries while skiing in France back in 2013GETTY
There will always be intrigue when it comes to Schumacher.
After all, as a name that transcends F1, people can be forgiven for hoping his appearance at his daughter’s wedding is the start of better days ahead.
Yet the reality is Schumacher’s privacy, and that of his family, must come first. For all the curiosity, fans shouldn’t forget that.