INVC,
Paris,
Michael Schumacher, the seven times Formula One world champion, is in a “critical condition” after suffering head trauma following a high-speed skiing accident in the French Alps.
One of F1’s most successful, technically brilliant and assured drivers, Mr Schumacher, 44, has undergone surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after tumbling on the slopes whilst skiing with his son and friends at the French resort of Méribel.
His medical team at Grenoble’s university hospital declined to speculate on what the long-term consequences of his injuries might be but said his condition was “very serious”. No further operations are planned.
Mr Schumacher, was skiing off piste when the accident occurred. Although he was wearing a helmet, he suffered trauma to the right side of his skull and was quickly airlifted to hospital.
Doctors told a press conference that someone not wearing a helmet may not have survived the crash, which they said must have happened at high-speed. Although Mr Schumacher was conscious when admitted to hospital he was unable to answer questions.
His wife, children, doctors and trusted motor-racing colleagues gathered at the Grenoble hospital on Sunday night. Mr Schumacher’s family thanked medical staff for their efforts, saying “We know that you are doing everything possible to help Michael.”
“We would also ask the media to respect our privacy and that of our friends, as well as thanking you for your support,” the family said in a statement.
Among those attending the hospital was Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn, who supported Mr Schumacher’s comeback to F1 in 2010 following a three-year pause.
Jean Todt, his former Ferrari team boss and now the president of the FIA, Motorsports governing body, also rushed to the hospital, media reports said.
Mr Schumacher retired from F1 last year having failed to repeat the glories of his early career. But although his return proved unsuccessful Mr Schumacher won over fans with a more relaxed style than he displayed in his early career.
In total, Mr Schumacher won 91 Grand Prix and earned seven world titles with Benetton and Ferrari. He helped turn the latter into the sport’s then most dominant team.
He has suffered several serious accidents over the years, including a motorcycle crash in 2009 which caused neck and spine injuries and delayed his return to F1. Messages of goodwill and support poured in on social media from F1 drivers and German sports stars.
F1 champion Sebastian Vettel said he was “shocked” by the news and wished a swift recovery, reported DPA, the German news agency. Mr Schumacher lives with his family in Switzerland.
