Michael Schumacher still ‘cannot walk’: German court hears case against magazine

Michael Schumacher still cannot walk or stand, it has been heard in court. The family of the seven-time Formula One World champion has taken a German magazine to court over claims that he could walk again.

The 47-year-old retired German racing driver suffered debilitating head injuries in a 2013 accident, rendering him in a medically induced coma for six months. He was then relocated to his home so he could continue to receive medical treatment.

His family only gave occasional updates about his condition, choosing to give Schumacher privacy during his rehabilitation. However, Bunte, a German magazine, reported in December that he could walk again. Bunte quoted an alleged unnamed friend of the champion as source, who said that Schumacher could walk a little with assistance from his therapists. He could also apparently raise his arm.

Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm, labelled the report “irresponsible” and untrue.

“Such speculation is irresponsible because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael,” Kehm said earlier this year. “Unfortunately, they also give false hopes to many involved people.”

Felix Damm, lawyer for Schumacher, has told a German court that the world champ still “cannot walk.” Schumacher still cannot lift his arms as well, contrary to Bunte’s claims.

The family is suing the publication between € 40,000 (AU$59,000) and € 100,000 (AU$148,000).

On Dec. 29, 2013, Schumacher suffered a head injury while skiing at the Mirabel ski resort in the French Alps with his family. He was on a vacation with wife Corinna and their two children. He is receiving treatment and rehabilitation at his home in Lake Geneva.

In February, his former Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo, told reporters he had news about his health but “unfortunately it is not good.”

“Life is strange. He was a fantastic driver and only had one accident with Ferrari in 1999,” he said.