Michael Schumacher's wife makes important decision as husband’s health battle continues

The health status of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has been kept under wraps since his life-altering skiing accident.

The 55-year-old racing icon hasn't been seen in public since the tragedy in December 2013, and it's believed he spends his days in a home-based hospital facility receiving round-the-clock care. His family have remained tight-lipped about his condition, with his devoted wife, Corinna, understood to be extremely selective about whom she allows to visit.

The family is now reportedly fighting to keep details about his health confidential amidst an ongoing blackmail trial involving his former bodyguard. Markus Fritsche - who worked for Schumacher until around 2021 - is accused of aiding in the blackmail of the family and allegedly used hundreds of personal photos, videos and the driver's medical records.

READ MORE: Michael Schumacher's wife Corinna makes major decision over F1 star's health battle

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He has now appeared in court in Germany alongside Yilmaz Tozturkan, a bouncer, and his son, IT specialist Daniel Lins, over the alleged extortion plot. Tozturkan is accused of threatening to release family photos on the dark web unless they paid £12,000,000 (€15,000,000).

Corinna has lodged a request for the case to be heard privately, meaning the public could be barred from the hearing if her husband's health is discussed, according to German newspaper Bild. MailOnline (via Wales Online) reported Fritsche allegedly told Tozturkan over a coffee that he was "in possession of this material, and he asked if we could do anything with it."

There has been speculation the tight-knit circle surrounding Ferrari icon