Michael Schumacher's friend has opened up about the 'beautiful memories' he shares with him while discussing his shock about how a 'harmless trip' left the F1 legend with life-changing injuries.
On 29 December, 2013, Schumacher was airlifted to hospital and placed in a medically induced coma after he sustained a horrific head injury while skiing in the French Alps with his son Mick.
Schumacher, now 55, spent 250 days in a coma and has faced a gruelling recovery process ever since, although the details of his condition remain unclear due to his family's wish for privacy.
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The accident marked the end of his life in the spotlight and the racing icon hasn't been seen in public for over a decade.
His nearest and dearest have only shared updates on his health a handful of times, with his wife Corinna explaining that they are trying to 'carry on as a family as Michael liked it, and still does'.
In the 2021 Netflix documentary Schumacher, she said: "And we are getting on with our lives. 'Private is private', as he always said. It is very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible."
Ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt is one of the few people outside of blood relatives who has access to Schumacher, as he previously revealed he visits the star twice a month and watches races with him.
It's clear that the skiing incident transformed the racing driver's life dramatically, as well as his family's.
Schumacher's pal, Norbert Haug, has now opened up about how he struggled to understand how Schumacher ended up sustaining grave head injuries while skiing off-piste and wearing a protective helmet - which cracked on impact.
But according to the former Mercedes chief, the German racing ace would always play it safe on the slopes.
Haug told news outlet Bild: "Of course, it’s a shame what happened on a really harmless ski trip. I can promise that Michael was not a risk-taking skier.
"He was particularly careful when skiing and, in my opinion, had things under control very, very well. That was a real misfortune. Unfortunately, unfortunately."
The 71-year-old then discussed the cherished memories he shared with Schumacher, as well as how they went from 'fierce rivals' to fast friends.
Haug continued: "There are so many beautiful memories, so many private and human ones away from the racetrack.
"Michael was always really tough on the track, but really friendly and funny off the track and also liked to party. I have wonderful memories of him."
He also heaped praise on Schumacher's wife for taking charge of his care, saying that he has the 'greatest respect' for Corinna and that 'there are no words' to describe what she has done for her spouse.
Haug added that he stays in close contact with the F1 icon's manager, Sabine Kehm, to keep tabs on his condition.
He said: "If anything should happen, we know we can contact each other. But I clearly also want to respect privacy. And Corinna does it as well as one can do in such a very difficult situation. Totally, totally admirable."
Topics: Celebrity, Formula 1, Health, Michael Schumacher, Sport
Olivia Burke