Former F1 figure Richard Hopkins – who grew close to Michael Schumacher during their time in the paddock – believes the public may never see the seven-time world champion again.
Schumacher, now 56, has lived entirely out of the spotlight since his devastating 2013 skiing accident, which left him in a medically induced coma.
Since then, he has remained under round-the-clock care at his Lake Geneva home, supported by medical specialists and his wife, Corinna.
Despite years of speculation, almost nothing concrete is known about his condition. Even friends and longtime colleagues are believed to be largely kept in the dark.
Extreme Privacy Surrounding Schumacher's Health
Only a select handful of people – such as former Ferrari boss Jean Todt and technical director Ross Brawn – are reportedly allowed to visit Schumacher. Hopkins, who held senior roles at Red Bull and McLaren, says that secrecy is unlikely to change.
“I haven’t heard anything recently,” Hopkins told SPORTbible. “I understand he has a Finnish doctor, a personal doctor. I don’t think we’ll see Michael again. I’m slightly uncomfortable talking about his condition because of how secretive, for the right reasons, the family wants to keep it.”
Michael Schumacher. Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images.
Hopkins emphasized he is far from Schumacher’s inner circle: “I’m not Jean Todt, I’m not Ross Brawn, I’m not Gerhard Berger, who visit Michael. I’m a long way from that.”
Hopkins Reflects on Friendship With Schumacher
The two first met in the early 1990s when Hopkins was a McLaren mechanic and Schumacher was racing for Benetton. Their friendship grew over casual coffee breaks and conversations in the F1 paddock – memories Hopkins still holds onto.
When asked whether he had heard any updates from Schumacher’s visitors, Hopkins made clear that even the closest of friends would never reveal anything.
“I can’t say I’m best friends with Jean Todt, or Ross, or Gerhard,” he said, per Daily Mail. “I think even if you were Ross Brawn’s best friend… and even if you plied Ross with a lot of good red wine, I don’t think he would open up and share.
“I think there is that respect with anybody who goes to visit Michael not to share anything. That’s the way the family wants it to be. I think that’s fair and respectful… Even if I did know, the family would be disappointed if I shared anyway.”
A Legacy That Still Defines Formula 1
Schumacher remains one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, with world titles in 1994, 1995, and five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. His career tally includes 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums – stats that helped shape modern Formula 1.
Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images.
Hopkins recently spoke more about Schumacher’s personality, offering rare insight into who he was off the track.
“When you look at all the elements that make a world champion, he had them all – even the ones that weren't always positive,” Hopkins told The Sun.
But beyond the fierce competitor, Hopkins said Schumacher had a different “alter ego,” similar to rival Mika Häkkinen – a warm, grounded, family-oriented man.
“You might see this overconfident driver… but he certainly wasn’t,” he said. “He was a great dad and a great husband.”