Formula 1 has “lost a megastar” with Michael Schumacher’s continued absence due to illness, stresses Johnny Herbert… as the German’s former team-mate claims the sport is faring much worse without him

Johnny Herbert has expressed his sadness and heartache at Michael Schumacher’s health and his continued absence from the public eye, insisting everyone had “lost”.

Formula 1 legend Schumacher – who has won seven world titles – was involved in a skiing accident in December 2013 that put him in an induced coma. Since then he has not appeared in public.

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

And Herbert – who was once Schumacher’s team-mate at the now-defunct F1 team Benetton – explained how much the 54-year-old is sorely missed inside and outside of the sport.

“We lost a megastar of our sport who brought so much joy to so many people,” he said CasinoSite.nl.

Johnny Herbert has expressed his sadness at the health of F1 legend Michael Schumacher

Schumacher (pictured in 2005) has not been seen in public since he was put into an induced coma after a skiing accident in 2013 and he is being cared for by a team of medical workers and his family

Herbert (right) was once a teammate of Schumacher (centre) at the now defunct Team Benetton

“It was very sad that Mick couldn’t have his father with him and it’s sad that we as the F1 community don’t have him in the paddock.”

‘It’s a shame. “Everyone fails to learn about the Michael Schumacher we never saw sitting in the cockpit.”

Schumacher is one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, taking the world title in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

In the course of his legendary racing career he also contributed to his name with 71 fastest laps and 155 podiums.

His family is very protective of his privacy and it is understood that many of their close friends and relatives are not even aware of his health condition.

However, his wife Corinna provided a rare update in the Netflix documentary “Schumacher”, which will be broadcast in 2021.

She revealed he continues to undergo rehabilitation for the life-changing injuries he sustained, claiming he’s “different now, but here.”

Mick Schumacher – Michael’s son – followed in his father’s footsteps and raced in Formula One, driving for Haas in 2021 and 2022, finishing 19th and 16th respectively.

For the 2023 season, however, he was axed in favor of the veteran Nico Hulkenberg and is the current reserve driver for Mercedes.

And when asked what the future holds for Mick, Herbert admitted it could be difficult for the 24-year-old to get another chance in the sport.

He added: “I think Mick Schumacher is in one of those horrible F1 situations that he probably didn’t impress enough when he was with Haas.”

“And that’s what damaged him.” And no one will talk about him.’

Schumacher’s wife Corinna (pictured skiing with him in 2005) has kept his condition a secret

Herbert also stressed that it will be difficult for Schumacher’s son Mick to compete in Formula 1 again

During the aforementioned Netflix documentary, Mick spoke emotionally as he gave an insight into his relationship with his father.

He said: ‘I think dad and I would understand each other differently now.

“Simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motorsport.” We would have had a lot more to talk about and that’s where my head is most of the time and I think that would be so cool.

“That would be it. I would give up everything for that alone. Yes.’