Michael Schumacher's family share rare footage of stricken star in new documentary

Michael Schumacher's family are set to open up to cameras and provide rare footage of the F1 hero amid his ongoing health battle.

The condition of the seven-time world champion is still very much unknown to the public after he suffered a serious brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013.

His family have done everything in their power to keep the situation regarding his health under close wraps since.

But now they are due to appear in a new documentary, entitled 'Schumacher', which will include private recordings the family have agreed to release.

The documentary is being pulled together by German filmmakers Michael Wech and Hanns-Bruno Kammertons, but the coronavirus pandemic has delayed its production.

Schumacher's wife Corinna features in the programme, along with the former Ferrari star's father Rolf, daughter Gina-Maria and son Mick - who now races for F1 team Haas.

Sabine Kehm, the spokesperson for the Schumacher family, said: "The film portrays Michael's impressive career, but also many of the facets of the 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."

Schumacher was airlifted to hospital following his accident on the French Alps after hitting his head on a rock while skiing off-piste down a mountain.

After undergoing surgery twice, he was then placed in a medically-induced coma for six months.

He spent more than 250 days in hospital before returning to his home in Geneva, Switzerland, where he has been recuperating ever since.

Details of his recovery have remained private, but Schumacher continues to receive constant round-the-clock care from nurses.

His former manager at Ferrari, Jean Todt, said in September: "I saw Michael last week. He is fighting.

“My God, we know he had a terrible and unfortunate skiing accident which has caused him a lot of problems.

“But he has an amazing wife next to him, he has his kids, his nurses, and we can only wish him the best and to wish the family the best too.

“All I can do is to be close to them until I am able to do something, and then I will do it."

Schumacher's wife Corinna said their attempts to be discreet over his health were at Michael's request.

But the family have given their full blessing for the documentary to go ahead.

Co-producer of the doc, Benjamin Seikel, said: “We are thrilled to have had the trusting co-operation of Michael Schumacher ’s family and management.

"Without their support, this film would not have been possible."

A release date has not yet been given for the documentary, with Seikel's fellow producer Vanessa Nocker urging for "patience".