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Helicopter pilot who saved Michael Schumacher breaks silence 12 years on from horror ski crash

Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury following a skiing accident in 2013 and the helicopter pilot involved in his rescue has spoken for the first time

[Yannick Dainese]

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The helicopter pilot involved in rescuing Michael Schumacher following his skiing accident has spoken for the first time

The helicopter pilot who helped transport Michael Schumacher to hospital after his skiing accident has recalled how he 'thought it was a joke' when he was first told they were going to the Formula 1 legend's aid.

Schumacher, one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, sustained a traumatic brain injury in December 2013 after crashing during a skiing trip. Yannick Dainese was on duty as a pilot for SAF Hlicoptres on the day in question and was involved in the operation which saw Schumacher transported for treatment in the French Alps.

Over a decade on, Yannick has now spoken of the incident for the first time in an interview with L'Equipe and recalls how a rescuer first informed him that they were heading towards the 57-year-old - and how he initially didn't believe it.

Yannick said: A rescuer jumped out of the helicopter with the doctor and said to me Were going to Schumacher!

At first I thought he was joking. But when the commander ordered us to remove our microphones and GoPros, and to forbid journalists from accompanying us, I understood that it was true.

Despite not being a Formula 1 fan, Yannick adds he was aware of who Schumacher was, explaining: Subconsciously, the pressure was there because I knew he was worshipped like a god.

But for me, he was just another seriously injured person.

Schumacher was placed into an induced coma for six months following the accident and details over his condition remain scarce. The German has not appeared publicly since the accident.

[Michael Schumacher skiing]

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Schumacher has not been seen publicly since his skiing accident(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

It is understood that Schumacher resides at the family's residence on Lake Geneva, where he receives round-the-clock care from a dedicated medical team. Only a select few people outside of his family have been permitted to visit the seven-time F1 champion in the 12 years since his accident.

Yannick went back to the hospital shortly after and was taken aback by the response to Schumacher's accident. He said: A few days after the accident, I went back to the hospital to transport another injured person.

What I saw shocked me: there were so many buses, red flags, and people everywhere that the hospital grounds had been transformed into a Formula 1 circuit. It was unbelievable.

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