Michael Schumacher vegetative, recovery unlikely

Michael Schumacher, the legendary Formula 1 driver who has been in a coma since a 2013 skiing accident, is in a “vegetative state” and has a minimal possibility of returning.

The report came from renowned neurosurgeon Erich Riederer during a documentary on French television station TMC.

Riederer said Schumacher, 51, is awake but is not responding. The seven-time World Champion is breathing and his heart is beating, but the physician believes the legendary driver’s condition is “the maximum for him.”

Schumacher was in a medically induced coma for six months after the head injury suffered in the Swiss Alps. He returned home 254 days later and he primarily remained there since.

Michael Schumacher: Another surgery set?

Schumacher’s condition has remained guarded and he has undergone several surgeries since his accident. Additional reports detail Schumacher will undergo a stem cell surgery in a bid to revive his nervous system. The previously scheduled surgery was halted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schumacher’s son, Mick, a veteran driver, recently drove his father Michael’s 2004 title-winning Formula One car ahead of Ferrari’s milestone race, the Tuscan Grand Prix. Ferrari celebrated its 1000th F1 race.

Mick wore his father’s famous red helmet during the promotional laps. The occasion capped an important weekend in the younger Mick’s career. He took recently took the lead of the F2 championship and is he’s expected to compete in the F1 series next season.

The elder Schumacher won his seventh F1 championship in the F2004. Lewis Hamilton is seeking to equal the record this season.

RELATED CONTENT

Michael Schumacher improving, $229,000 watch debuts

Michael Schumacher paralyzed, can’t speak, friend says

Michael Schumacher has moments of improvement