Michael Schumacher in “critical” condition after skiing accident

It has been reported that seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher is currently in a critical condition, after the German suffered serious head injuries during a skiing accident Sunday morning. The former Benetton and Ferrari driver was admitted to Moutiers hospital shortly after the incident, before then being transferred to Grenoble hospital which specialises in brain injuries.

The former World Champion was skiing on unmarked slopes in the French Alps when the incident occurred on Sunday morning, with Schumacher’s head striking a rock in the process. Although he was apparently wearing a helmet at the time, he was airlifted to Moutiers hospital after a quick response from the authorities. Initially the injuries were deemed to be not very serious, with the 44-year-old allegedly conscious after the incident. However, after being transferred to Grenoble hospital it was confirmed by his management that he had suffered a “severe head injury with coma on arrival”.

“Mr. Schumacher was admitted to the University Hospital of Grenoble at 12:40pm, following a skiing accident occurred in Méribel in the late morning.” Read the official statement issued by Michael Schumacher’s management. “He suffered a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required neurosurgical intervention immediately. He remains in a critical situation.”

Although Michael Schumacher will turn 45 next week on January 3rd, the German only retired from Formula 1 for the second time last season following a return to the sport with Mercedes in 2010. Before his time with the German marque, Schumacher became a legend of the sport by winning 91 races with both Benetton and Ferrari, as well as romping to seven sensational Drivers’ Championships between 1994 and 2004. Back in 2009 the German suffered a minor neck injury after a motorcycle incident, which prevented him from returning to Formula 1 earlier as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.

Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas