Michael Schumacher insider delivers first major update on his 'very sad' condition

A leading F1 insider has provided a major update on Michael Schumacher's health, more than 11 years on from his tragic skiing accident, Report informs via Daily Mail.

F1 legend Schumacher - who won seven world championships - was involved in the incident in December 2013 that left him in a medically induced coma. He hasn't appeared publicly since.

The German is cared for by a team of medical staff and his wife Corinna at their Lake Geneva home, but little has been made public about his condition.

Schumacher's family remains very protective of his privacy and it is understood that many of their close friends and relations are even unsure about the state of his health.

However, Felix Gorner, a reporter for German broadcaster RTL, has lifted the lid to fans on Schumacher's status and revealed 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.' 

Schumacher, who is now 56, is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, having claimed the world title in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.

He also added 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums to his name during his iconic racing career.