Michael Schumacher suffers major blow in the German town where he grew up

Disappointment

Former Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher is facing more disappointment following a ruling that will stop him from becoming an honorary citizen of the town he grew up in.

Strange ruling

Schumacher, who grew up in Kerpen in Germany, cannot be granted honorary citizenship because the town has ruled they are yet “to decide whether to introduce such an award,” per DPA International.

Not needed

A spokeswoman for the town told reporters in November that there was no current need for such an award.

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Backlash

The decision by Kerpen has been met with anger by Ralph Schumacher, the younger brother of Michael, who slammed the town, writing, “That is typically Germany and our politics,” in an angry Instagram post.

“Lost for words”

Ralph Schumacher continued, “Performance is apparently no longer important. When you think about what my brother has done for Kerpen through his success, I'm simply lost for words.”

Petition

The issue arose after a Michael Schumacher fan-club in Kerpen had attempted to petition the town into awarded the seven-time world champion honorary citizenship.

Understandable anger

The mayor of Kerpen, Dieter Spürck, told DPA International he understood the anger of Ralph Schumacher and others given the importance of Michael to the town, but there was no plan to change their decision.

On the map

Michael Schumacher learned to kart in Kerpen before becoming one of the greatest racers in Formula 1 history. He also owned the karting track in the town.

Not in the public eye

Schumacher has not been seen in public since a skiing accident caused severe head injuries, forcing him to need around the clock care. The family has been incredibly cautious in keeping Michael’s condition private.

Still in the headlines

Despite the Schumacher family’s attempts, leaks have occurred over the years, with The Daily Express reporting the seven-time world champion is currently continuing his recovery at the family’s holiday home in Majorca.

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