Erika Malandra There's a heavy silence surrounding the name of Michael Schumacher. A respected, almost sacred silence, but one that occasionally cracks over a detail, a phrase, a... signal, of hope not only for his family but also for his many fans. How is Michael Schumacher??
How is Michael Schumacher doing? Stefan L'Hermitte's words.
This time it's Stefan L'Hermitte who speaks, a historic signature of The TeamForty years of career, always on the pitch, always close to the sport's greats. And now, once again, close—at least ideally—to the seven-time world champion. In a radio interview, L'Hermitte shared what he was able to learn, or perhaps only intuit. "We don't know anything specific," he said in a measured tone. "I wouldn't say he's doing well, but maybe he's doing a little better."
Weighed words, said almost with caution, certainly because we have no certain information so caution is a must... Because around Schumacher everything has been secret, ever since that day in December 2013. Ever since, on skis, his life took a different direction. "The only news they come from the family,” added the French journalist, recalling how few, very few, people are actually allowed next to him.
Yet something has leaked out, the question that many are asking How is Michael Schumacher?? L'Hermitte mentioned a helmet, signed by Schumi for charity. "How did he sign it?" he asked over the open microphone. "Did his wife hold his hand?" There's no certainty, but the doubt—or hope—that this gesture is a sign. A small sign of life.
Michael Schumacher today: between silence and respect
Just a few days ago marked the 25th anniversary of his first world title with Ferrari. Twenty-five years, a number that weighs heavily on memories. On that occasion, L'Hermitte attempted to piece together the puzzle, piecing together what he could glean. Direct information, perhaps. Indirect information, more often. All of it coming—or so he claims—from the very close circle of the Schumacher family, the only remaining reliable source.
How is Michael Schumacher?? On the physical front, however, the journalist is tight-lipped: "Apparently he's not talking yet, and we haven't seen him walk." His words were cold, but honest. "Perhaps," he added, "he's having some small interactions with his family, though we can't say a priori that he's well."
And so, once again, only that silence remains. Broken every now and then by a fragment, a voice, a signed object. Nothing certain, but enough to make us wonder—all of us, without exception—if Michael Schumacher, the man behind the legend, is truly returning a little to life.