Pilot who rescued Michael Schumacher breaks 12-year silence: 'He was just an injured person to me'

For nearly 13 years, the world has wondered about Michael Schumacher's condition following his severe skiing accident on December 29, 2013. The Formula 1 icon's health has remained a closely guarded secret, known only to his family.

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Let's go get Schumacher!

Now, a pilot involved in his rescue has broken a 12-year silence, sharing details of the operation. Yannick Dainese, who flew Schumacher to the hospital, recounted his initial disbelief when he was called to the scene. "One rescuer jumped into the helicopter with the emergency doctor and shouted to me: 'Let's go get Schumacher!' At first, I thought he was joking," Dainese told French publication L'Equipe.

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At first, I thought he was joking.

His disbelief turned to understanding when commanders ordered the confiscation of microphones and GoPro cameras and prohibited journalists from accompanying them. Dainese emphasized the critical need to remain detached in such high-stakes situations. "We didn't ask questions, we didn't talk. It's important to detach yourself from any emotion to remain fully prepared," he explained. "For me, he was simply another seriously injured person."

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It's important to detach yourself from any emotion to remain fully prepared. The mountain, unfortunately, claims many victims among skiers. For me, he was simply another seriously injured person.

Despite knowing Schumacher's global stature, Dainese maintained his professional focus. "Unconsciously, the pressure was present because, although I wasn't a Formula 1 fan, I knew people revered him as a God," he admitted. He kept the story private for so long, he said, to protect himself and respect the Schumacher family's stringent privacy demands, acknowledging he doesn't have the same legal backing they do.

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Unconsciously, the pressure was present because, although I wasn't a Formula 1 fan, I knew people revered him as a God.