APRIL 3, 2026

Gina Schumacher opens up on father in rare new doc

A rare and emotional insight into the life of Michael Schumacher has emerged, with daughter Gina-Maria speaking candidly in a new documentary about coping after her father's 2013 accident.

German broadcaster ZDF has produced Horsepower - The World of Gina Schumacher, offering an unusually personal look at the famously private family.

According to an exclusive preview by Bild newspaper, the 29-year-old reveals how she leaned on her passion for horses during the most difficult period of her life.

After Dad's accident, I really threw myself into it because I had to do something, Gina said.

The horses have always been important. But since then, they've truly become... I mean, I couldn't do without horses. They helped me get through it all.

Her mother Corinna also shares a striking memory of a prediction made by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. Michael once said to me, when Gina was 10: 'Gina will be much better than you,' she recalled.

His reasoning was equally revealing.

Because she's more selfish. If you're an athlete, you have to be selfish in a certain way. And that's great. Otherwise, you won't amount to anything.

Corinna added: Today I think 'He was so right'.

Now one of the world's leading Western riders, Gina remains grounded despite her success.

I'm grateful that I can do this. My parents made it possible, she said.

That's why it's always been important to me to work hard in this area, so that I can do it as well as I possibly can.

(GMM)