Formula One driver Pierre Gasly has ignited a firestorm of criticism after sharing what many fans have labelled a 'disrespectful' tribute to the injured racing legend Michael Schumacher. The Alpine driver posted a series of images from a skiing trip in the Alps on Saturday, which coincided with Schumacher's 57th birthday.
A Controversial Social Media Post
The 29-year-old Frenchman shared a carousel of photos to Instagram from his off-season getaway, which he described as 'snow heaven'. Among the images was one of Gasly wearing a distinctive red Marlboro jacket on the slopes. This choice of attire directly echoed the Ferrari gear, famously sponsored by the tobacco brand, that Schumacher was often photographed wearing during his own skiing trips before his life-changing accident.
The post came just over twelve years after Schumacher suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury while skiing off-piste in the French Alps. The accident plunged the seven-time world champion into a medically induced coma, and he has required round-the-clock care ever since, with his family maintaining a strict code of privacy regarding his condition.
Fan Backlash and Accusations of Poor Taste
While some interpreted Gasly's jacket as a nod to the F1 icon, a significant number of fans were deeply unimpressed. They flooded social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to condemn the post as ill-advised and insensitive.
One fan wrote: 'I don't know how he thought that this is a good idea. Skiing ruined Schumacher's life forever, so how would you come to the conclusion that you have to pay tribute to the man by skiing on his birthday and posting it on social media?'
Another comment called the act 'very tasteless and very disrespectful and inappropriate', while a third pointed out it was 'not the best choice, seeing where the accident happened'. The sentiment was echoed on Instagram, where one follower stated, 'I feel something so wrong when an F1 driver goes skiing.'
Further fuelling the controversy, Gasly also posted a picture posing with his Portuguese girlfriend, influencer Kika Gomes, on the slopes—an image that bears an uncanny resemblance to old photos of Schumacher with his wife, Corinna.
Schumacher's Private World and Family Tributes
The incident highlights the intense public interest and sensitivity surrounding Michael Schumacher's condition. His family has fought tirelessly to protect his privacy. This includes facing a blackmail attempt in 2025, which led to the conviction of several individuals, including his former bodyguard, for trying to sell confidential medical data.
Former Red Bull Head of Operations, Richard Hopkins, recently shed light on the strict, private rules governing visits to Schumacher, confirming that only a very small circle of trusted individuals are permitted to see him.
In contrast to the public controversy, Schumacher's family marked his birthday with a more intimate tribute. His daughter, Gina-Maria, shared a childhood family photo on social media, captioning it: 'The best forever. Happy birthday, Dad!'
The debate around Gasly's post underscores the lasting impact of Schumacher's tragedy on the sporting world and the fine line between homage and insensitivity in the public eye.
