Michael Schumacher speaks into a microphone in previously unseen footage from documentary marking 10 years since his tragic skiing accident… but all is not as it seems

Never-before-seen footage of Michael Schumacher speaking has been revealed as part of a new documentary marking ten years since his tragic skiing accident.

December 29 marks ten years since the seven-time Formula 1 champion suffered serious head injuries in the seaside resort of Meribel in the French Alps.

The condition of Schumacher, who was put into an induced coma and underwent several operations, has since been shrouded in mystery, with only brief updates from his inner circle.

However, a recent documentary revealed never-before-seen footage of the German, showing him speaking into a microphone.

In the documentary 'Being Michael Schumacher' – released on ARD on December 28 – the ex-Ferrari driver appears in a blurred shot before stepping up to a microphone and saying 'Now it begins'.

December 29 marks ten years since Schumacher's life changed due to a skiing accident

Fans were quick to question when the footage was taken, with some hoping it could indicate a marked improvement in the former F1 champion's condition.

However, filmmakers later revealed that the footage was actually filmed before his 2013 accident.

According to BILAndreas Troll, responsible for the film, said: 'With the documentary we provide a complete picture of the person and athlete Michael Schumacher.

'We therefore used recordings from the many years in which we reported on him and guided him. The two videos are from 2012 and therefore not current.

'I had already made a Schumacher documentary, for which we also visited him in Switzerland. The very close collaboration made him accessible for such productions.'

The 54-year-old was put into a medically induced coma and underwent several operations, and has not been seen in public since before his accident.

His family has maintained strict privacy about his condition, although he is being cared for by a team of medical staff and his wife Corinna at their Lake Geneva home.

German publication BIL also revealed that Schumacher has been driving a Mercedes AMG car as part of his care and rehabilitation.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion has not been seen in public since the accident ten years ago

The aim was to stimulate the brain with familiar sounds, after Schumacher had raced cars for more than twenty years in both Formula 1 and other categories before his debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.

It is also revealed that up to 15 doctors, masseurs and assistants are part of his care team to provide him with the best care 24 hours a day.

Schumacher's wife Corinna has strict rules about who can visit the Formula 1 legend in their care home.

That list includes close friends Jean Todt – Schumacher's former team boss at Ferrari – and Luca Badoer – a former test driver for the Scuderia during the German's glory years.