Michael Schumacher paralysed and unable to speak, according to Philippe Streiff F1 legend Michael Schumacher. SEVEN-TIME world champion Michael Schumacher is in a wheelchair and suffering memory and speech problems, according to former Formula 1 driver Philippe Streiff. Streiff, who himself has been wheelchair-bound since a 1989 crash in Brazil, is a good friend of Schumacher's and said he had visited the F1 legend recently. It's very difficult. He can't speak. Like me, he is in a wheelchair, paralysed. He has memory problems and speech problems," Streiff told French radio. Schumacher's spokesperson Sabine Kehm chose not to comment on Schumacher's condition, but said Streiff's comments were "his opinions." "[Streiff] did not have contact with us," Kehm added. Schumacher was seriously injured in a ski accident in December. Last Thursday, the Schumacher family posted on his official website, thanking fans and well-wishers "for facing this fight together with him and us." It added: "We remain confident and hope the best for Michael. Your strength is helping us to keep supporting him. The statement gave no new details about his condition. Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in France at the end of December, and his manager said in September that he had been released from a Swiss hospital to continue his recovery at home. Schumacher's website was reactivated on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of his first F1 title. Originally published as "Schumacher paralysed, unable to speak"