Published 11:07 IST, September 23rd 2019
Michael Schumacher hope emerges: Why he's an F1 icon like no other
Michael Schumacher is one of the most successful drivers in F1 history. Read below to know more about his life before and after the tragic ski accident.
Advertisement
German driver and Formula One legend - Michael Schumacher - was on holiday with friends and family in the French Alps during December 2013. That was when he suffered a 'severe head injury' while skiing. Michael Schumacher was immediately airlifted to Grenoble Hospital and required 'immediate neurosurgical intervention'. The former Ferrari driver went under the knife for two life-saving operations and remained in a coma post the accident. Doctors described the condition as 'extremely serious' immediately after the surgery. The medical staff also said that he would have died had he not been wearing a ski helmet.
Michael Schumacher - Life before the accident
Michael Schumacher is held by Formula One critics and fans as one of the greatest - if not the all-time greatest - Formula One drivers in the history of the sport. At his peak, the German was ranked among the world's richest athletes. The Ferrari speedster had a record of 91 wins and 151 podium finishes over the course of his distinguished career. His skills behind the wheel helped him register the record for the fastest laps (77).
What happened after the incident?
Schumacher is currently under the care of a 15-member medical team. Back in 2015, Michael Schumacher's manager - Sabine Kehm - revealed that the racer’s situation was slowly improving "considering the severeness of the injury he had." But a year later, Schumacher’s lawyer told a court that his client "cannot walk". Michael’s former boss at Ferrari and close friend - Jean Todt - told media that he makes it a point to see the former F1 champion about twice a month.
Michael Schumacher recently underwent stem cell surgery in Paris. An anonymous source from within the hospital revealed that he has reportedly regained consciousness. Michael Schumacher will need to go through anti-inflammatory stem cell perfusion. That surgery will be conducted by a famous cardiovascular surgeon - Philippe Menasché.
10:12 IST, September 23rd 2019