Riccardo Patrese, who raced alongside Schumacher for Benetton in the 1993 season, shared that he heard positive updates about his former friend's health about six years ago, although he has not met Schumacher directly since the accident.

"I heard Michael can sit, look around, and communicate through his eyes. He lives in his own world, but still recognizes familiar faces," Patrese told Hochgepokert. "I am certain Michael does not know he is a seven-time world champion."

Riccardo Patrese (right) raced alongside Michael Schumacher (left) for Benetton in the 1993 F1 season.

According to Patrese, Schumacher's continued presence and daily care by his family are invaluable. "For the family, just having Michael with them is a treasure. They love and care for him with all their effort," the former Italian racer stated.

Since his severe skiing accident in late 2013 at the Meribel resort in France, which resulted in significant brain injury, Schumacher's family has prioritized his privacy. For over a decade, almost no images or official information regarding Schumacher's health have been released.

Patrese disclosed that he once offered to visit and speak with Schumacher, hoping to help him "wake up," but Schumacher's wife declined. "They want to be alone and only allow a few very close people near Michael," he said.

The location where Michael Schumacher suffered his accident (circled in red) while skiing on 29/12/2013 in the French Alps. Photo:

Daily Mail

Earlier, British media reported that Schumacher is no longer bedridden as he was for many years. According to close sources, Schumacher can now use a wheelchair and receives care at two family residences: an estate worth over 40 million USD in Majorca, Spain, and a home valued at nearly 70 million USD in Gland, on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

His wife, Corinna Schumacher, oversees his daily care, supported by a team of nurses and therapists working 24/7. The cost of this care is reportedly tens of thousands of USD per week, amounting to millions of USD annually.

Michael Schumacher was born on 3/1/1969, in the town of Hurth, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He shares the record for seven world championship titles with Lewis Hamilton. Schumacher won championships in 1994, 1995 (with Benetton), 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 (with Ferrari). He also co-holds the record for winning at least one race in 15 consecutive seasons, from 1992-2006, alongside Hamilton. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)