Family-supported project: Michael Schumacher documentary will launch on Netflix on September 15th

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The young Michael Schumacher: "From the Kerpener gravel pit to a global superstar"

Photo: LAT Images / Motorsport Images

Netflix will broadcast a documentary about Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher from September 15th.

The portrait "Schumacher" is the only film supported by the family of the exceptional athlete who had a serious skiing accident at the end of December 2013, the streaming service announced on Friday.

His wife Corinna Schumacher and their two children Gina and Mick, who is currently also a Formula 1 driver, will speak for the first time about the now 52-year-old in “very personal interviews”, announced Netflix. Former companions like Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone and former competitors, including Sebastian Vettel and Mika Häkkinen, have their say in the documentary.

Michael Schumacher always strictly separated his public life from his private life, from which he drew strength and energy, explained his manager Sabine Kehm.

This film tells the story of both worlds.

"It is a gift from his family to their beloved husband and father." The film starts 30 years after Schumacher's entry into Formula 1 in August 1991. It traces Michael Schumacher's path "from the Kerpener gravel pit to a global superstar," it said the message.

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Record world champion Schumacher (in Magny-Cours 2004)

Photo: Clive Rose / Getty Images

Schumacher is the record holder with seven world championship titles alongside Lewis Hamilton, and he celebrated a total of 91 victories in the premier class. He has been shielded from the public since his skiing accident. Despite wearing a helmet, he had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a fall and was in mortal danger for days. How he is doing is not known, and details of his health are not published.

The release of the film was actually planned for December 2019, but was then delayed.

"The documentary was a great challenge and required a lot of time and sensitivity, considering the external pressure on the production," explained producer Benjamin Seikel.

"But thanks to a great team and a really great collaboration with the family, we didn't let ourselves be upset."

feb / dpa / AFP / sid