Schumacher paralysed and in wheelchair

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is paralysed and in a wheelchair, according to former racing driver Philippe Streiff.

The seven-time champion cannot speak and has memory problems.

Streiff, who is himself wheelchair-bound since a crash in Brazil during pre-season tests in 1989 left him a quadriplegic, was speaking on French radio.

The Frenchman, who is a good friend of Schumacher’s, said: “He is getting better but everything is relative. It’s very difficult. He can’t speak. Like me, he is in a wheelchair paralysed. He has memory problems and speech problems.” Streiff, 59, was seen visiting Schumacher when the German was in intensive care in Grenoble Hospital, France.

Schumacher, 45, was transferred to Lausanne Hospital, Switzerland, in June and he is now being cared for at his home on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Official news on Schumacher’s health has been scant.

The German suffered a freak ski accident on December 29 in the French Alps which left him brain damaged and fighting for his life.

He was skiing with his 14-year-old son on a red piste, which is classed for intermediate skiers.