Last Updated on February 6 2026, 8:39 pm

More than a decade after his life-changing skiing accident, even the slightest update on Michael Schumacher’s health attracts worldwide attention. Since December 2013, the Schumacher family has maintained an almost total silence, protecting the privacy of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion at all costs. As a result, confirmed details remain extremely limited, and those closest to him usually avoid speculation.

This is why recent comments from Riccardo Patrese, a former Formula 1 driver and long-time friend of Schumacher’s, have resonated so strongly. Having raced alongside Schumacher at Benetton during the 1993 season, Patrese has now spoken publicly about the German’s condition, offering what many fans see as a rare note of reassurance.

 

 

“He is getting better and better,” claims a friend of Schumacher

In an interview with Hochgepokert, Patrese revealed that he had received information about Schumacher’s current state from a trusted mutual contact. While stressing that he has no direct insight into the daily medical situation, Patrese suggested that there has been gradual progress over time.

“I learned from a friend that he’s getting better and better,” he said. According to what he was told, Schumacher is reportedly able to sit up, look around, and make eye contact. Patrese added that Schumacher appears to recognise familiar people around him, even if he remains largely withdrawn.

“He’s kind of absent, in his own world, but he recognises the people around him, familiar faces,” the Italian explained. He also suggested that Schumacher may no longer be fully aware of his legendary sporting achievements, saying: “I’m sure he’s forgotten he’s a seven-time world champion.”

While these remarks are unverified and based on second-hand information, they nonetheless represent one of the most detailed accounts to emerge in recent years from someone who knew Schumacher personally.

 

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A friendship forged on and off the track

Patrese and Schumacher’s friendship dates back to the early 1990s, when Schumacher was still establishing himself in Formula 1. Although Patrese was nearing the end of his career during their shared season at Benetton, he remembers their friendship as warm and genuine.

“Our relationship was excellent during the races, but it was just as good afterwards,” Patrese said. He also shared memories of time spent together shortly before Schumacher’s accident, highlighting how abruptly everything changed.

“In September 2013, we had a great time together, but in December he had his accident,” he recalled.

“We really had some great moments together.” For Patrese, these memories make Schumacher’s current situation particularly painful.

“I’m really sad to see him in this situation,” he admitted. “I hope Michael is getting better every day, because he’s a close friend.”

 

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Hope shared by fans around the world

Patrese’s words echo the sentiments of the millions of fans who continue to follow Schumacher’s story with quiet loyalty. Since his accident in Méribel, Schumacher has not appeared in public, and no official medical updates have been released. The family has consistently emphasised that any recovery process is private and ongoing.

Occasionally, journalists attempt to piece together fragments of information. Most recently, Daily Mail reporter Jonathan McEvoy claimed to have seen Schumacher at the family’s holiday home in Mallorca. According to McEvoy, Schumacher can no longer walk and is moved around the property in a wheelchair, with the help of a team of dedicated nurses and physiotherapists who provide round-the-clock care.

As with all such reports, the Schumacher family has neither confirmed nor denied these details, remaining steadfast in its policy of silence.

 

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Privacy above all else

Despite the natural curiosity surrounding one of Formula 1’s greatest figures, Schumacher’s inner circle continues to prioritise dignity and privacy. Even close friends like Patrese speak cautiously, often emphasising hope rather than providing specifics.

“I hope his condition improves,” Patrese said. “That’s the wish of all his fans, and mine even more so, as a friend.”

For now, that hope is all the public has. Any confirmed update on Michael Schumacher remains rare, and every word spoken carries weight. While limited, Patrese’s comments offer a gentle reminder that progress, however slow, is still possible, and that Schumacher is surrounded by care, loyalty and respect from his closest friends and family.

 

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