Nine years on, a heartfelt thought for Michael Schumacher

Nine years ago today, tragedy struck seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher while he was on holiday with his family, skiing in the French Alps.

The retired F1 legend and his then 14-year-old son Mick were descending the 'Combe de Saulire' in Meribel when the former Ferrari driver fell and hit his head on a rock.

Even though he had been wearing a helmet at the time, Schumacher was seriously injured and airlifted to Grenoble Hospital. He underwent two emergency surgeries to stabilise his condition and save his life, and was subsequently put into a medically induced coma.

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Ever since the accident, the Schumacher family has asked for privacy, fiercely guarding all news about his condition. Former FIA president Jean Todt appears to be the only outsider who is allowed to regularly visit the great champion at his home in Switzerland, or in Spain.

But the Frenchman has always honoured his duty of confidentiality.

Michael Schumacher's absence has left a massive hole in the world of motorsport and in the heart of his family and fans.

In the 'Schumacher' documentary released earlier this year on Netflix, the extent of his father's absence were laid bare by Mick.

"Dad and me, we would understand each other now in a different way now," he said. "Simply because we speak a similar language, the language of motorsport.

"We would have so much more to talk about.  That's where my head is most of the time. Thinking that it would be cool that would be.

"I would give up everything just for that."

Our thoughts on this day are with his Corinna, Mick and Michael's daughter Gina-Marie.

#KeepFightingMichael