Schumacher's ex-rival marks anniversary of accident with heartbreaking admission

28 December 2023 , 17:16

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Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher were F1 rivals in the 1990s (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Michael Schumacher's former rival Damon Hill has paid tribute to the Formula 1 legend, who suffered a life-changing brain injury while skiing a decade ago.

December 29 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the accident, with Schumacher now receiving constant medical treatment at home in Switzerland. And Hill, who was involved in a fierce rivalry with Schumacher during the 1990s, says what happened to the German is a reminder to "treasure every day".

Speaking to the PA news agency, Hill said: "It is a terrible tragedy. This is not how you want anyone to end up. It makes you treasure every day and be thankful for your good fortune. I think about his family. It is so hard for them."

Schumacher's family have rarely spoken about his health, with his wife Corinna stating in the 2021 Netflix documentary that they want to "protect" him. "I miss Michael every day," she said.

"But it is not just me who misses him. It's the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.

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"We're together. We live together at home. We do therapy. We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he's comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.

"'Private is private', as he always said. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael."

Schumacher suffered a near-fatal brain injury while skiing 10 years ago and now requires constant medical care (AFP/Getty Images)

Schumacher's brother Ralf recently gave a rare update on his condition, telling German outlet Bild: "I miss the Michael of the old days. Life is unfair from time to time. Michael was very lucky throughout his life. But then there was this tragic accident.

"Fortunately, advanced medical science provides many opportunities. However, nothing is like it used to be. It has been a significant experience for me but, of course, even more so for his children. Life is unfair at times. That day held a lot of bad luck. This fate has changed our family.

"Michael wasn't only my brother. When we were kids, he was also my coach and mentor. He taught me literally everything about kart racing. There may be an age gap of seven years, but he was always by my side. We raced together, we practised overtaking manoeuvres and everything that matters in motorsports."

Matthew Cooper