One Formula 1 icon has opened up on his relationship with Michael Schumacher and how he tried to help his former team-mate “wake up” after his tragic skiing accident in 2013
Formula 1 great Riccardo Patrese has detailed his efforts to “help wake up” Michael Schumacher following the German’s tragic skiing accident in 2013. However, his attempts seemingly fell on deaf ears as he was turned away.
Schumacher’s condition has been shrouded in secrecy, with his family fiercely protecting his privacy since the incident that left him with a severe brain injury. Patrese, 71, teamed up with a young Schumacher at Benetton in 1993 and formed a lasting friendship, even after hanging up his helmet in 1994.
The F1 vetean recently spoke about their connection through football, as they played together in charity matches before Schumacher’s life-altering accident. And Patrese told Listofsweepstakescasinos.com (via the Daily Express) about his offer to try and assist in Schumacher’s recovery, believing a familiar voice might trigger recognition.
“Then he had the accident,” said the Italian. “That is a very sad moment. You know that sometimes if they hear [a familiar voice], some boys wake up, that they recognise a voice.
“I asked [Schumacher’s wife] Corinna if they wanted me to go there and try to help if I could. Well, if I could, I would have, but they said, ‘No, thank you. It’s not the moment. It’s not the moment.’ But that moment has never come.”
Patrese’s remarks indicate a strong desire to offer any possible assistance to his old friend. Yet he’s not the first from Schumacher’s past to be kept at arm’s length since his life took a tragic turn.
In a 2022 interview with the Irish Mirror, late F1 legend Eddie Jordan spoke of being rebuffed by Corinna when he tried to arrange a visit with Schumacher. ‘Schumi’ had his F1 start with Jordan in 1991 before quickly moving to Benetton after impressing bosses.
Michael’s brother, Ralf, has also expressed a sense of estrangement from the family since his accident. In a 2023 conversation with German magazine Bunte, Ralf mentioned he’s ready to reconnect if Michael’s family ever reaches out, though he has come to terms with the reduced contact over time.
Pondering what Schumacher might be up to if the 2013 accident hadn’t occurred, Patrese could only guess it would involve “something with action.” He reminisced about their shared love for adrenaline and a “very good connection,” which sadly seems to have faded away.
For years, Patrese and Schumacher competed in F1 charity football matches until the former had to take a step back. And there was one name atop his list to take over as captain once he decided to give up the armband.
“I know nothing, but from the first moment of course I was in very good connection with Michael, because of the national team of drivers for soccer for charity,” he said. “He was coming and playing soccer with this team that we were doing. We are still doing it for charity.
“He was the captain of the team. When I left, I gave to him the armband of the captain and he was really very happy to do it. First of all, he liked football a lot. So because of that, he was an enthusiast about the games. And because of that, we always kept in good contact.”
This December will mark the 12-year anniversary of Schumacher’s devastating accident in the French Alps. And details surrounding his present condition remain as sparse as ever.
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