Seven time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher's condition is reportedly much worse than first anticipated, after a skiing accident in the Meribel resort of France on Sunday morning. Schumacher is now said to be in a "critical condition" in Grenoble.
The team of doctors treating him at the hospital stated, during Monday's press conference: "He suffered a head trauma due to a coma, which required immediate neurosurgical treatment ."
"He remains in a critical condition and we cannot tell you what the outcome will be yet, if he hadn't been wearing a helmet he wouldn't be here now".
Figures from the world of F1 have rallied to support the seven-time World Champion, including 'Schumi's' long-time rival David Coulthard.
The former Mclaren driver rejected claims that Schumacher was a victim of his thrill-seeking personality, claiming the German was "averse to risk".
Coulthard said: "If anyone knows how to muster inner strength and determination then there's no doubt in my mind Michael Schumacher is the man to do it".
Crucially, Schumacher had been wearing protective gear and had not been skiing alone, surrounded by friends and family, when he was airlifted to the small nearby village of Moultiers.
The former Ferrari and Benetton driver suffered the injuries when he crashed off the ski track and hit his head on a rock in the ski resort. Early reports coming from Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte, director of the Meribel resort, seemed to suggest that Schumacher was in a stable condition.
Schumacher, who turns 45 on 3 January, retired from F1 for a second time in 2012.
He won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during his 19-year career, and the world waits as his condition is regularly updated.