Michael Schumacher is believed to have flown from Majorca to Switzerland for the arrival of his first grandchild last month, according to reports.
The Formula One legend has been out of the public eye for 12 years after suffering a horrific skiing accident in the French Alps when he almost lose his life after a freak fall.
Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma after fracturing his skull, and later underwent two brain surgeries.
In a bid to protect the sporting legend’s privacy, his wife Corinna and his children Gina and racing driver Mick have kept details of his current condition strictly under wraps, with only a select number of close friends and family allowed to visit Schumacher.
Initially recovering from the traumatic accident at his mansion in Switzerland, Schumacher is believed to have relocated to his Spanish villa to continue to recuperate.
But as per The Sun, Schumacher made a rare trip back to the family home by Lake Geneva to be with his daughter when she gave birth.
Michael Schumacher (pictured in 2005) reportedly went to be with his daughter for the birth of his first grandchild in March
Gina Schumacher married her partner Iain Bethke at the family’s villa in Majorca last year
The couple also shared a picture of the two of them holding the newborn’s hand
The report claims that Schumacher travelled by helicopter to witness the special family event, with Gina and her husband Iain Bethke welcoming daughter Millie on March 29.
Announcing Millie’s birth on social media, Gina and Iain wrote on Instagram: ‘Welcome to the world, Millie Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives.’
The couple also shared a picture of the two of them holding the newborn’s hand, with the post flooded with congratulations and well-wishes from friends, family, and fans of the driver.
Gina, 28, is a successful equestrian, and has been with Iain, who is also a horse enthusiast, since 2017.
Guests at their wedding – which took place at the villa in Majorca – are said to have included Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who have been embroiled in a row with the former’s ex-wife Cora over her claims she felt ‘stabbed in the heart’ after finding out he was gay last year.
It remains unclear whether Schumacher attended the ceremony, which is believed to have taken place in the mid-afternoon, and been followed by a banquet and a live performance by a country music band.
Johnny Herbert, a close friend of Schumacher, said that it was ‘fake news’ that the seven-time world champion had attended the wedding.
This March saw Felix Gorner, a reporter for German broadcaster RTL, claim to lift the lid to fans on Schumacher’s status, with the F1 commentator revealing he ‘can no longer communicate verbally’.
‘The situation is very sad,’ said Gorner, who is viewed as one of the journalists closest to Schumacher’s family and a reliable source on his health.
‘He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. And he can no longer express himself verbally.’
Gina is believed to have with Bethke – who is a fellow horse enthusiast – for over eight years
Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma in the wake of suffering his near-fatal skiing accident
The driver’s wife Corinna has been deeply committed to keeping an environment of privacy around her husband’s condition
Gorner also commented on the general situation around Schumacher and the private nature of his life since the tragic accident in 2013.
‘Currently, there’s a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael,’ he added.
‘And, in my opinion, it’s the right strategy. Because the family is acting in Michael’s best interests. They’ve always strictly protected his privacy, and that hasn’t changed.’
On Saturday, Mail Sport reported exclusively that Schumacher had taken part in a charity initiative at the request of fellow racing icon Sir Jackie Stewart.
Schumacher – with the support of Corinna – was one of a number of the sport’s greats to sign one of Stewart’s helmets, which will be auctioned off to raise money for his Race Against Dementia charity.
