Schumacher ‘making progress but needs years to recover’, doctor says

A French doctor treating stricken former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher said Thursday that the German ace was making progress, but will need years to recover. Jean-Francois Payen also praised Schumacher’s wife Corinna for the devotion she has shown to the racing driver since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps last December, in which he suffered life-threatening brain injuries. Schumacher was in a coma for six months.

I have noticed some progress but I would say we will have to give him time. It is like for other patients. We are in a time scale of one to three years, so you need patience.

Dr Jean-Francois Payen

He is now at his home at Gland in Switzerland. Payen said he still sees the 45-year-old at a hospital in Lausanne and at his home. The doctor said that Corinna Schumacher had played a key role in her husband’s progress. “It is someone very linked to Michael, but who has a lucidity and a desire to make him advance which is an extraordinary point.” Payen said that “for years she will do this same work. She is a very good person.”

He is in very favourable conditions. His wife is surrounded by excellent advice and has put everything needed in place so that he can advance.

Dr Jean-Francois Payen

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