Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf has said ‘nothing is like it used to be’ following the Formula One star’s horrific accident in 2013.
Michael, 54, sustained severe injuries after being involved in an accident while skiing in December 2013, which saw him placed into a medically induced coma.
He came around from the coma in 2014 - but details about his health since the accident have been scarce - with his family preferring to keep tight-lipped about his condition.
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The racing champ’s family lawyer had previously told German news outlet LTO that there was no public report given into his condition to protect ‘private things’.
And earlier this year, lawyer Felix Damm said: "It was always about protecting private things. We considered whether a final report about Michael's health could be the right way to do this.
“But that wouldn't have been the end of it and there would have had to be constantly updated ‘water level reports’, and it would not have been up to the family when the media interest in the story stopped.”
While accepting the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia on behalf of Michael, his wife Corinna said: “We try to carry on a family as Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
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“'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.”
In a recent interview, his 48-year-old brother Ralf admits to missing how his brother used to be.
He said: “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."
He added: “Fortunately, advanced medical science provides many opportunities. However, nothing is like it used to be.”
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Ralf said that the accident had ‘changed’ his family, saying: "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."
Speaking to local media, Ralf said: "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.
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"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.
“He passed on all the different things he had already internalised. I had the honour to learn from the best.”
Topics: Sport, World News
Claire Reid