Schumacher is 'in his own world', explains psychologist regarding the secrecy.

      "He recognizes people around him, familiar faces."

      Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has expressed his views on Michael Schumacher's condition, following new reports indicating that the seven-time world champion is no longer confined to bed and can sit in a wheelchair. In an interview with Hochgepokert, Patrese, who raced alongside Schumacher at Benetton in the early 1990s, mentioned that he hasn’t seen or heard from his former teammate since the skiing accident in December 2013. "I feel like the situation has been similar for a few years now," Patrese commented. "I hope Michael is getting better every day because he’s a good friend of mine, and it saddens me that he is in this condition."

      Patrese reminisced about how Schumacher's survival was once uncertain. "I was aware of some positive developments six years ago because there was a time when many thought he might not survive," he stated. "Fortunately, he managed to survive the accident." He shared that second-hand information suggested a gradual improvement. "Then I heard from a friend that he was getting better and better," Patrese noted. "I’ve never been there; it’s just been said that he can sit up, watch, look around, and make eye contact."

      According to Patrese, he believes Schumacher recognizes familiar faces but is disconnected from his former public persona. "He’s in his own world, yet he identifies people around him—familiar faces," he explained. "I’m certain he doesn’t realize he’s a seven-time world champion." Patrese also mentioned that he once offered to visit Schumacher, but he understood why the family declined. "After the accident, I asked Corinna, ‘Should I come and perhaps try to speak with him?’" Patrese recounted. "And she replied, ‘Don’t worry, Riccardo.’ I realized they preferred to have only a few trusted individuals around him, like Jean Todt and Luca Badoer."

      Meanwhile, psychologist Guillermo Fouce, a lecturer at the University of Madrid, has provided insight into why Schumacher's family has consistently avoided disclosing specifics about his condition. "Public figures know their image can be manipulated in various ways," Fouce explained to the Spanish health outlet Cuidate Plus. "This is why there are situations where protecting the image is essential." He indicated that this approach seems geared toward preserving Schumacher's legacy. "From what we’ve heard, it appears Schumacher wants to be remembered as a top athlete, not as someone facing serious physical issues or communication difficulties," he remarked. "This is how his public image has been safeguarded over the years."

      Fouce further added that the ultimate decision regarding disclosures might not solely rest with the family. "The patient has the most significant say," he clarified. "If the patient is unable to communicate or make decisions about public disclosure, a legal professional typically manages the situation, deciding what can be shared with the public." Schumacher has not been seen in public since his accident over a decade ago.