Michael Schumacher‘s daughter hailed the former Ferrari driver as “the best forever” as his family marked the F1 icon’s 57th birthday on Saturday. Gina, 28, posted on Instagram a touching childhood snap showing herself and younger brother Mick beaming beside their parents and pet dogs. Captioning the image, she penned: “The best forever. Happy birthday, Dad!” accompanied by a red love heart emoji.
This comes as Schumacher continues his recovery from a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago. Whilst he survived, the seven-time F1 world champion has remained away from public view ever since. Consequently, information regarding his present condition remains extremely limited beyond his close-knit family and friends. The accident happened in the French Alps, with Schumacher going off-piste before his head collided with a rock. Despite his helmet, Schumacher was helicoptered to hospital and put into a medically-induced coma for several months.
He was subsequently moved to his family home at Lake Geneva, where he presently resides with 24-hour medical supervision. Sources indicate that Schumacher has up to 15 individuals providing continuous care.
It is also believed that he remains bedridden and cannot speak. Rather, Elisabetta Gregoraci – former partner of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore – maintains that Schumacher communicates through eye movements with those surrounding him.
She revealed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are. They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”
This comes as Gina prepares to debut a YouTube channel, which could potentially provide glimpses into her father’s situation. The accomplished rider, who frequently displays her skills on Instagram, has maintained silence regarding her father’s wellbeing whilst striving to preserve family confidentiality.
This approach mirrors that of Schumacher’s spouse, Corinna, who stated in a 2021 documentary: “We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
Meanwhile, Schumacher’s representative, Sabine Kehm, has reinforced their position on confidentiality. She previously clarified: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.”
The teaser for Gina’s upcoming channel features her alongside her horses and companions, though it appears unlikely to include content concerning her father’s medical condition or broader circumstances. Now residing in Switzerland, Gina initially pursued karting.
Nevertheless, speaking to German broadcaster NDR, she revealed that equestrian pursuits ultimately captured her interest due to her fondness for horses. Western riding has proven particularly successful for Gina.
In August 2017, she clinched a gold medal at the FEI World Reining Championships in Switzerland. The subsequent year saw her bag another gold at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli, as well as topping the World Championships for junior riders.
In 2024, Gina tied the knot with her long-term partner, Iain Bethke, and announced last year that they had become parents to their first child. It is reported that Gina and Iain said their vows at the Schumacher family villa in Majorca, with a select group of guests present.