Michael Schumacher was put into a medically induced coma after he fell and hit his head on a rock while skiing with his son at the Meribel resort in the French Alps on December 29, 2013.

In the wake of the crash, the record-breaking Formula One driver underwent two life-saving operations at Grenoble Hospital, before being transferred to a medical facility in Lausanne, Switzerland in April 2014.

He was eventually moved back to his home in September 2014.

Health updates from the Schumacher family have been infrequent since the accident, with his wife Corinna Betsch choosing to protect the driver’s privacy. 

Speaking to reporters on November 14, she said: “The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been taken in Michael's interest. 

“We have made it very clear that something serious has happened.”

Schumacher has a devoted fanbase and has garnered messages of support across the entire F1 community. 

Earlier this month Lewis Hamilton paid an emotional tribute to the German after equalling his pole position record. 

The British racer, who has spoken of his admiration for Schumacher in the past, tweeted: “Michael, equalling your pole position record in Belgium this year meant so much to me and was a true honour.”

"Praying for you and your family all the time #KeepFightingMichael #Legend.”

What happened to Michael Schumacher?

Schumacher was skiing with his then 14-year-old son in the French Alps when he tumbled 34 feet and hit his head on a rock. 

Despite wearing a helmet, the 48-year-old suffered a life-threatening brain injury. Doctors stated that Schumacher would almost certainly have died if he was not wearing head protection. 

Schumacher received 24/7 care while being treated at Grenoble Hospital in France and, in June 2014, his manager Sabine Kehm revealed that he was no longer in a coma.

When he was moved home to continue his recovery in September 2014 a statement was released announcing that “progress had been made”.

The statement said: ”Considering the severe head injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months. 

“There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead."

Some people have criticised the decision to keep Schumacher’s progress so closely guarded. 

In an interview earlier this year, Schumacher’s former manager Willi Weber said: “I find it very unfortunate that Michael's fans do not know about the state of his health.

“Why do not they just tell them the truth?”

However, those closest to Schumacher have repeatedly stated the decision to shield the public from updates reflected Schumacher’s private personality. 

Ms Kehm told German media in May: “Michael has consistently drawn a clear line between the public and the private, which has always been accepted by the fans and the media. 

“The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been met in Michael's interest.”