A friend of Formula One racing legend Michael Schumacher has stated that the talented driver is paralysed following a ski accident last December. According to ex-Formula One driver Phillipe Staff, the seven-time world champion is reportedly in a wheelchair and is suffering from memory and speech problems as a result of the brain injuries he sustained in the accident. “Schumacher is better, but everything is relative,” said Staff who has been in a wheelchair since a crash in 1989. “He can’t speak. He is paralyzed and is in a wheelchair. He has problems with memory and speech. As soon as he is with his family again he will be able to recover faster, but it will be difficult.” However, a spokesperson for Schumacher said that Streiff’s comments were “his opinions”. In September of this year, Schumacher was released from a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland in order to continue his recovery at home. A statement from the family on his official website last week thanked fans and well-wishers for “facing this fight together with him and us”. “We remain confident and hope the best for Michael,” it continued. “Your strength is helping us to keep supporting him.” No further details were given of the champion’s condition. His website was reactivated last week to mark 20 years since he won his first Formula One Title.