Michael Schumacher ‘cannot walk’, lawyer tells German courtroom

A lawyer for Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has told a German court that the former world champion is unable to walk following his skiing injury in 2013.

Felix Damm made the comment in a lawsuit against German magazine, Bunte, who had reported the 47-year-old was able to walk again last December. The magazine had quoted a source as saying that the seven-time world champion could manage some steps with the help of therapists and could raise an arm. Damm confirmed that this was inaccurate and that Schumacher was unable to stand even with the help of specialists. Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's agent, had dismissed the report's claims in a statement released shortly after the report had been published.

'Unfortunately we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true. Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people.'

Schumacher had been placed in a medically-induced coma for six months after suffering a head injury during the skiing accident, which happened in France. Since then, little has been made public about the former Ferrari and Benetton driver's recovery.