**Michael Schumacher’s Former Team-mate Reveals Family Refused Offers to Aid Recovery**
Twelve years have passed since Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher suffered severe, life-altering injuries in a skiing accident, yet the world still knows little about his present circumstances. Now, one of Schumacher’s former team-mates, Riccardo Patrese, has shared a personal account of his unsuccessful attempts to comfort and possibly “help wake up” the German athlete in the wake of tragedy.
Patrese, 71, who shared the Benetton team garage with a youthful Schumacher in 1993, has spoken publicly about the affection and strong camaraderie he once shared with the seven-time world champion. Both men, it turns out, found common ground far beyond the race circuit, and regularly teamed up for charity football events. Patrese’s recent comments shed light on the secrecy and isolation that have surrounded Schumacher’s condition since his accident in the French Alps back in December 2013.
In an interview originally reported by the Daily Express, Patrese outlined his desire to reach out following Schumacher’s hospitalisation. He recounted how, in some cases, those in comas or diminished consciousness have shown signs of response when exposed to familiar voices or faces. “That is a very sad moment,” Patrese revealed. “You know that sometimes if they hear [a familiar voice], some boys wake up, that they recognise a voice. I asked Corinna if they wanted me to go there and try to help if I could. They said, ‘No, thank you. It’s not the moment.’”
Despite the passing of all these years, the moment for a visit has never come. Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, has had to shoulder enormous responsibility as both source of support for her husband and guardian of his privacy. The family’s insistence on shielding Schumacher from the public eye has been unwavering—an approach which, while entirely understandable given the circumstances, has often left even his closest friends and colleagues feeling excluded.
Patrese’s experience is not unique. Eddie Jordan—who gave Schumacher his first F1 break in 1991—revealed in 2022 that Corinna also turned down his wish to visit. Meanwhile, even Michael’s own brother, Ralf, has admitted he has drifted away from Michael’s immediate family circle since the incident. Speaking last year to German magazine Bunte, Ralf explained that although he remains ready to support the family at any time, day-to-day contact has been lost.
Speculation surrounding Schumacher’s health has become a near permanent feature in motor sport circles, largely fuelled by the lack of information from those closest to him. Corinna’s steadfast refusal to let many visitors in is often cited as a reason for this continual mystery, but friends such as Patrese are also quick to point to the family’s right to privacy in such painful circumstances.
Reflecting on their years together, Patrese recalled how Schumacher’s “adrenaline junkie” personality extended far beyond motor racing. Besides racing, the German was an enthusiastic footballer, relishing their matches and gatherings for charity, often acting as team captain. Before retiring from playing himself, Patrese passed on the captain’s armband to Schumacher, noting how much joy his friend took from the sport and their shared charitable initiatives.
With December approaching, the twelfth anniversary of Schumacher’s accident looms. The F1 community and fans worldwide continue to express concern, curiosity, and sadness about his health, yet meaningful updates remain infrequent at best. For those like Patrese, the opportunity to say one final goodbye or simply offer support never materialised.
As the silence endures, the Schumacher family’s struggle remains as private as ever. For friends and admirers, hope persists, but the reality is that the gap between Michael’s old life and the present day continues to widen, with no sign of closure on the horizon. Whether or not that day comes, those who knew the legend best are left to cherish their memories, and uphold their respect for the Schumacher family’s choices.