Family says Schumacher in ‘very best of hands’
LONDON: The family of stricken seventime Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher assured fans the Ferrari great was being well cared for as they celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday.
Schumacher, who retired from racing in 2012, has not been seen in public since he suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident five years ago. The German is being cared for at home in Switzerland.
‘‘You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him,’’ the family said in a statement that made a rare comment about his condition.
‘‘Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy,’’ it added.
The family said an official Michael Schumacher app would be released last night to enable fans to review all his career successes.
The Keep Fighting Foun dation has also created a virtual museum.
‘‘The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments,’’ the family said.
‘‘Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we . . . we want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation.’’
Schumacher won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari from 200004.
He remains the sport’s most successful driver with a record 91 grand prix wins.
Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, now a fivetime world champion with 73 wins, has already claimed several of the German’s records and could ultimately match his title tally if he continues his rate of success. — Reuters