Michael Schumacher: Rare footage of stricken F1 legend to be aired in new documentary this year

A documentary into the career and life of Michael Schumacher is ‘finished’ and is set to air later this year, offering a rare glimpse of the Ferrari legend’s life since suffering a serious brain injury in a skiing accident eight years ago. 

Schumacher, 52, has not been seen publicly since the 2013 accident and so the new film, entitled ‘Schumacher’, will provide a rare insight to Formula One fans on his health battle.

The film, which was first reported to be in production in May 2019, was due to launch in December last year, only to be faced by delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic but Express in Germany have reported it is now ‘ready’ to go.

A documentary into the career and life of Michael Schumacher (pictured right, in 2005, with his wife Corinna) is finally set to air this year, providing a rare insight into his health battle 

Schumacher suffered devastating brain injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and he has not been seen publicly since. The family have been guarded with details on his condition but the new documentary includes private recordings (pictured on another skiing trip in 2005)

Schumacher suffered devastating brain injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and he has not been seen publicly since. The family have been guarded with details on his condition but the new documentary includes private recordings (pictured on another skiing trip in 2005)

Schumacher’s family have backed the film and are reported to have provided private recordings to the filmmakers. 

The driver’s wife Corinna, who has rarely spoken in public and is believed to be largely responsible for guarding the secrecy of his health, is expected to be among the interviewees spoken to in the film. 

His father Rolf, 74, and his son Mick, preparing for his first season in F1 with Haas, are also involved. 

‘Schumacher’ is the work of German documentary filmmakers Michael Wech and Hanns-Bruno Kammertons.

Schumacher's father Rolf (left, seen with his other son Ralf at Grenoble Hospital in January 2014 following Michael's skiing accident) is reported to be featured in the documentary film

Schumacher’s father Rolf (left, seen with his other son Ralf at Grenoble Hospital in January 2014 following Michael’s skiing accident) is reported to be featured in the documentary film 

Schumacher had an incredibly rich career in which he won seven Formula One drivers' titles

 Schumacher had an incredibly rich career in which he won seven Formula One drivers’ titles

Previous projects between the award-winning pair has seen them undertake similar projects focused on tennis star Boris Becker and musician Udo Jurgens.

Describing the nature of the new documentary, Sabine Kehm, the spokesperson for the Schumacher family, said: ‘The film will portray Michael’s incomparable career, but also show the many facets of a complex man.

‘The merciless and daring Formula 1 driver, the ambitious athlete, the accomplished mechanic with a unique technical flair, the reliable team player and loving family man.’

Benjamin Seikel of B14 Film, the company making the movie, said: ‘We’re very happy about the trust that Michael Schumacher’s family and management have shown us. Without their support, this film would not have been possible.

‘It’s time for this film. But of course we’re very aware of the responsibility that comes with it.’ 

Schumacher’s life-changing accident occurred during a skiing holiday in the French Alps in 2013.

Schumacher is pictured with his young son Mick - now in F1 himself - on a Honda motorbike

Schumacher is pictured with his young son Mick – now in F1 himself – on a Honda motorbike

Mick Schumacher is preparing for his first time in F1 as he will race for Haas in the 2021 season

Mick Schumacher is preparing for his first time in F1 as he will race for Haas in the 2021 season

The Ferrari icon hit his head on a rock going off-piste down a mountain and was later airlifted to hospital. 

He went through two rounds of surgery before being placed into a medically-induced coma for six months. 

Now back home in Geneva, Switzerland, updates on his condition have been a closely guarded secret by the family, something that will perhaps change upon the release of the documentary. 

The film will also focus on his incredibly successful career, something the family hope son Mick will be able to replicate as he follows in his father’s footsteps this season. 

Schumacher won his first championship in 1994 with Benetton before retaining his title in the ensuing campaign. 

The German then moved to Ferrari where he went on to dominate the sport before calling time on his career in 2006. 

He returned to the grid with Mercedes in 2009 but endured a largely disappointing three-season spell.  

Schumacher won his first two championships with Benetton (pictured at the Pacific Grand Prix in Japan in 1995) before moving to Ferrari and the new film will look at his life on and off track

Schumacher won his first two championships with Benetton (pictured at the Pacific Grand Prix in Japan in 1995) before moving to Ferrari and the new film will look at his life on and off track