Michael Schumacher is believed to have flown from Majorca to Switzerland for the arrival of his first grandchild last month, according to reports. 

The renowned Formula One icon has remained out of the public eye for a span of 12 years following a devastating skiing mishap in the French Alps, where he came perilously close to losing his life due to an unexpected fall.

Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma after fracturing his skull, and later underwent two brain surgeries. 

To safeguard the privacy of this iconic sports figure, his spouse Corinna and their children Gina and professional racing driver Mick have chosen to keep information regarding his current state tightly guarded, permitting only a limited number of close acquaintances and family members to have access to Schumacher.

Following his initial stages of recovery from the harrowing incident at his residence in Switzerland, Schumacher is reported to have shifted to his residence in Spain to pursue further recuperation.

But as per The Sun, Schumacher made a rare trip back to the family home by Lake Geneva to be with his daughter when she gave birth. 

The report claims that Schumacher travelled by helicopter to witness the special family event, with Gina and her husband Iain Bethke welcoming daughter Millie on March 29. 

Announcing Millie’s birth on social media, Gina and Iain wrote on Instagram: ‘Welcome to the world, Millie Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives.’

The couple also shared a picture of the two of them holding the newborn’s hand, with the post flooded with congratulations and well-wishes from friends, family, and fans of the driver. 

Gina, 28, is a successful equestrian, and has been with Iain, who is also a horse enthusiast, since 2017. 

Guests at their wedding – which took place at the villa in Majorca – are said to have included Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who have been embroiled in a row with the former’s ex-wife Cora over her claims she felt ‘stabbed in the heart’ after finding out he was gay last year. 

It remains unclear whether Schumacher attended the ceremony, which is believed to have taken place in the mid-afternoon, and been followed by a banquet and a live performance by a country music band.  

Johnny Herbert, a close friend of Schumacher, said that it was ‘fake news’ that the seven-time world champion had attended the wedding. 

This March saw Felix Gorner, a reporter for German broadcaster RTL, claim to lift the lid to fans on Schumacher’s status, with the F1 commentator revealing he ‘can no longer communicate verbally’.

‘The situation is very sad,’ said Gorner, who is viewed as one of the journalists closest to Schumacher’s family and a reliable source on his health.

‘He needs constant care and is completely dependent on his caregivers. And he can no longer express himself verbally.’

Gorner also commented on the general situation around Schumacher and the private nature of his life since the tragic accident in 2013.

‘Currently, there’s a maximum of 20 people who can approach Michael,’ he added.

‘And, in my opinion, it’s the right strategy. Because the family is acting in Michael’s best interests. They’ve always strictly protected his privacy, and that hasn’t changed.’

On Saturday, Mail Sport reported exclusively that Schumacher had taken part in a charity initiative at the request of fellow racing icon Sir Jackie Stewart. 

Schumacher – with the support of Corinna – was one of a number of the sport’s greats to sign one of Stewart’s helmets, which will be auctioned off to raise money for his Race Against Dementia charity.