Seven-time F-1 racing champion Michael Schumacher, who retired for the second time last year, was skiing with his son in the French Alpine resort town of Meribel when he fell and hit his head on a rock. Schumacher had been wearing a helmet, but it did not sufficiently protect him.
"Someone who had suffered this accident without a helmet would not have made it this far," said Dr. Jean-Francois Payen, chief anesthesiologist at Grenoble University Hospital Center in France.
The 44-year-old German driver immediately underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage after arriving at Grenoble already in a coma.
Schumacher, who lives in Switzerland, is being kept company by his wife, Corinna Betsh, and two children, Gina-Maria and Mick.
Doctors say they are taking his injury "hour by hour" and refused to predict the outcome, NBC News reports.
"We cannot predict the future for Michael Schumacher," said Payen. "It's too soon to talk about."
Fellow drivers took to social media to send their well wishes to Schumacher and his family.
My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time.. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this.
Jenson Button
@JensonButton
My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time.. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this.
Very shocked to hear about Michael Schumacher our thoughts are with Michael, his wife Corinna and their two children at this terrible time.
Nigel Mansell CBE
@Mansell_Nigel
Very shocked to hear about Michael Schumacher our thoughts are with Michael, his wife Corinna and their two children at this terrible time.
Hoping that Michael Schumacher gets better. Thats a freak accident that u hope nobody goes thru. we are all thinking about him.
Juan Pablo Montoya
@jpmontoya
Hoping that Michael Schumacher gets better. Thats a freak accident that u hope nobody goes thru. we are all thinking about him.
I now you Michael, you are the man,you are the best you are..... This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!
Giancarlo Fisichella
@OfficialFisico
I now you Michael, you are the man,you are the best you are.....
This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!
My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher and his family. If anyone can pull through this though it's him. #positivethinking #fighter
Dario Franchitti
@dariofranchitti
My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher and his family. If anyone can pull through this though it's him. #positivethinking #fighter
