Gina Schumacher has marked her father's birthday with a poignant social media tribute, offering a rare glimpse into the Schumacher family's life before and after the Formula 1 legend's devastating skiing accident.
A Rare and Emotional Birthday Tribute
The daughter of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher took to Instagram to celebrate her father's 57th birthday on January 3. Gina posted a touching message alongside a beautiful, previously unseen family photograph from happier times. "The best forever. Happy birthday papa ❤️," she wrote, capturing the enduring love for her father.
The nostalgic image shows a beaming Michael with his wife Corinna, a young Gina, and her brother Mick, with the family dogs completing the joyful scene. It serves as a powerful reminder of the close-knit family unit before the tragic events of 2013.
Life After the Tragic 2013 Accident
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his life-altering skiing accident in the French Alps over a decade ago. The incident left him with severe head injuries requiring constant, around-the-clock care. It is widely reported that he now lives at the family's estate on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Details of his condition remain a fiercely guarded secret, known only to a tight inner circle of family and trusted medical professionals. In a 2021 Netflix documentary, his wife Corinna provided a rare update, stating that Michael was "different, but here" and continues with rehabilitation.
Rumours occasionally surface about his life, including speculation that the family takes him to their secluded villa on Mallorca. There was even an unconfirmed report in 2024 that he attended Gina's wedding to Iain Bethke at the Spanish island property.
A Legacy of Success and a Family Moving Forward
Michael Schumacher's legacy in Formula 1 is unparalleled. He is one of the sport's most successful drivers of all time, with a record that includes:
- Seven World Championships (1994, 1995, 2000-2004)
- 91 Grand Prix victories
- 155 podium finishes
While Michael's life changed irrevocably, his family continues to honour him while building their own futures. Gina, a professional equestrian, regularly competes across the US and Europe. Each year on his birthday, she shares a cherished memory, like the 2024 post recalling a pre-skydive adventure with Michael and Mick.
In a joyful development for the family, Gina and her husband welcomed a daughter, Millie, in March last year, making Michael a grandfather. These moments of celebration and remembrance highlight the family's resilience and enduring bond in the face of immense personal challenge.
